It’s that time again! Kris Kringle is in full swing as the holiday season is upon us! While this time of year is festive and full of love and giving, it’s also the time of year when people become so focused on the season they oftentimes become warm hearted shopping and delivering gifts to the point of forgetting that this is also a time they can become the target of a crime.
From our family to yours, here are 10 tips for crime prevention that will help keep your safety on the forefront of all your wonderful holiday activities!
1. Have Keys in Hand Before Walking to Your Car
During this busy time of year shopping and enjoying time with friends and family, be sure to prepare for your walk back to your vehicle by holding your keys in your hands so you aren’t put in the situation to have to search for them once you’re at your vehicle.
2. Follow Up to Tip #1 – Never Place Shopping Bags Down On Ground Next to You
If you have your keys in hand when approaching your car, there’s no need to lay the bags down next to you putting them at risk to be stolen when your focus might be digging in your purse or pockets.
3. Ask for A Security Escort
Please know that it’s okay to ask for a security escort if you’re leaving a mall or building after dark. Take it from our team at VSS-Security Services, Security guards and personnel have no problem providing extra safety by walking you to your car at night. In fact, they’re most definitely delighted to help! Even if it is still light out and you’re carrying something that is somewhat expensive and are feeling nervous about it, we urge you to not hesitate to ask for an escort.
4. Lock Car Doors When You Get Inside – Then Buckle Up
Safety is key, so be sure that you lock your car door as soon as you get in. Especially if you’re in a parking lot or garage. By doing this simple act first thing before settling in, you save yourself from potential risk of harm or endangerment from someone lurking and waiting for an opportunity. In addition, keep your car doors locked as you drive to your next destination!
5. Keep Purchases Out of Sight
When going from store to store to shop for those extra special gifts, be sure to lock all items in your trunk. In the event you don’t have a trunk, place items on the floorboard of the backseat area and cover with a blanket and be sure to never leave items on the front seat of your car in plain view.
6. Park in Well-Lit Areas
When getting ready to park, consider what time it will be when you’re finished shopping at this location. Choose a well-lit area, even if it means parking a bit farther away. You can always ask for a security escort (tip #3) if needed, however; at the very least you’ll be in an area where there’s plenty of light and that alone will help keep potential issues at bay.
7. Never Leave Your Car Running Unattended
This may seem like a no-brainer, however, we’ve found that automobile thefts are on the rise during the holiday season each year. When dropping in on clients or friends don’t leave your car running unattended. This is a tough one, especially if only stopping for a brief moment for a gift delivery.
8. Use the Buddy System – Go Shopping with a Friend
Where there are two or more people walking or shopping together, crime stats drop as assailants are usually looking for easy targets. Taking another person along not only makes it a much more fun experience, it also helps keep you more safe! It’s a win – win!
9. Pay Extra Attention to Your Surroundings
It’s always best to know where you are in the mall or parking garage and how to find the exits in the event of an emergency. Pay extra attention to what entry doors you go through to make it easier for quick decisions should the need arise. Our personal favorite tip is to take a picture of the entrance or a specific building marker with your cell phone so you have that info right at your fingertips when it’s time to leave.
10. Know Who Is Around You at All Times
With so many people frequenting stores and malls this time of year, it may be difficult to keep track of who is moving about or around you. Watch for people who may quickly approach you and avoid getting caught in areas where there are several people packed together that might make for a pick-pocket type of situation. Keep strong hold of your purse and shopping bags and remember it’s always best to keep your wallet, identification and cell phone in your front pocket. This way if your purse or bags do get stolen, you aren’t stuck without money or a way to reach someone for help!
Interested in more holiday safety tips? Check out these tips from our friends at the National Safety Council!
Being in the security industry, our team is on the forefront of staying safe and providing tips and information for our followers and friends. If you’re interested in learning more about VSS-Security Services, please click here for information.
Here’s to a wonderful and safe holiday season!
—The Team at VSS Security Services
