December 17, 2019
FCSO TIPS FOR SHOPPERS DURING HOLIDAYS
The Holiday Season is in full swing and there are only a few shopping days left until Christmas. Everyone is brimming with anticipation of the parties, the presents and the time we will spend with family. Unfortunately, crooks see this as a time of opportunity with you as their “unwilling Santa.” To avoid becoming a victim of these “Scrooges” FCSO offers the following common sense tips for Holiday Shoppers.
- Shop during daylight or in well lighted areas. If you must shop at night, consider taking a friend or family member.
- Park as close to your shopping destination as you can and take notice of where you park.
- When leaving your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings and do not leave your vehicle if there are suspicious people around. This also applies when returning to your vehicle.
- Do not leave packages or valuables visible inside your vehicle. Place them in the trunk.
- Dress casually and comfortably, but avoid wearing expensive clothing or jewelry.
- Stay alert to your surroundings both in the parking lot and inside the store or mall.
- Ladies, carry your purse close to your side with the opening next to your body.
- Carry your wallet or cash in a front pocket as opposed to the back pocket.
- Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. Con-artists will try to distract you by various techniques with the intent of taking your money or belongings. They sometimes work in pairs.
- When returning to your car, make sure you are not carrying more that you are able to prevent being observant to your surroundings.
- When returning to your car, have your car keys in your hand and be ready to press the “Panic Button” if needed.
“We hope that everyone has a safe, joyous and meaningful Christmas Holiday,” Sheriff Billy Barnes stated. “Our Deputies will be out in force with both marked and unmarked units to provide a deterrent to crime during Holiday Season. Observing these common sense safety tips will reduce your chances of being a victim of the “Shopping Scrooges.”
END
Major Michael M. Nunn
General Counsel/P.I.O.
