This is the time of year that brings out the worst in some people. Malls and big box stores are prime hunting grounds for thieves. Take a few precautions, this holiday season and don't become prey.
If at all possible, don't shop alone at night. Dark parking lots are trouble waiting to happen. If you DO go to a mall alone at night - use valet parking.
If you carry a shoulder bag, hang the strap ACROSS your body, with the flap against your body. This discourages purse snatchers and pickpockets. Better yet, don't carry a purse at all.
Here in Tucson, thieves cruise the parking lots, looking for women, with their purse dangling from a shoulder or arm. They pull up next to her, the passenger jumps out, snatches the purse and the thieves peel away.
If you have a lot of packages, take them out to the car and lock them in the trunk, before loading up with any more stuff. Some stores and malls have a "package check" kiosk also.
When exiting a store or mall, be aware of your surroundings. Have your keys in your hand and don't fumble for them, at your car. Pay attention. to where you are going, walk with your head up, with a brisk confident stride.
Before approaching your car, check out the vehicles parked next to it. Be wary of enclosed vans, parked on your driver's side. If you feel that anything is a bit "off", return to the building and ask for security to escort you to your vehicle. (Some years ago, my mother was almost snatched and dragged into a van. She was able to get into her car and lock the doors before the man could grab her.)
If you are approached, in a parking lot, do an immediate about-face and return to the store. Report the incident to security and get an escort.
If someone threatens you and demands the keys to your car, throw them as far as you can, in the opposite direction, run like heck and SCREAM! NEVER let someone get you into a vehicle. If you have a panic button, on your electronic remote, push it first.
Stay safe, everyone.
If at all possible, don't shop alone at night. Dark parking lots are trouble waiting to happen. If you DO go to a mall alone at night - use valet parking.
If you carry a shoulder bag, hang the strap ACROSS your body, with the flap against your body. This discourages purse snatchers and pickpockets. Better yet, don't carry a purse at all.
Here in Tucson, thieves cruise the parking lots, looking for women, with their purse dangling from a shoulder or arm. They pull up next to her, the passenger jumps out, snatches the purse and the thieves peel away.
If you have a lot of packages, take them out to the car and lock them in the trunk, before loading up with any more stuff. Some stores and malls have a "package check" kiosk also.
When exiting a store or mall, be aware of your surroundings. Have your keys in your hand and don't fumble for them, at your car. Pay attention. to where you are going, walk with your head up, with a brisk confident stride.
Before approaching your car, check out the vehicles parked next to it. Be wary of enclosed vans, parked on your driver's side. If you feel that anything is a bit "off", return to the building and ask for security to escort you to your vehicle. (Some years ago, my mother was almost snatched and dragged into a van. She was able to get into her car and lock the doors before the man could grab her.)
If you are approached, in a parking lot, do an immediate about-face and return to the store. Report the incident to security and get an escort.
If someone threatens you and demands the keys to your car, throw them as far as you can, in the opposite direction, run like heck and SCREAM! NEVER let someone get you into a vehicle. If you have a panic button, on your electronic remote, push it first.
Stay safe, everyone.
