Shopping during the Thanksgiving/Christmas holidays can present unique dangers. Taking a few prevention measures can help you keep your holiday season joyous.
The holliday season is a time when busy people can become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime. The following tips from the Laurel County Sheriff's Office can help you be more careful, prepared and aware during the holiday season.
- Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.
- Dress casually and comfortably.
- Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
- Do not carry a purse or wallet if possible.
- Aways carry your driver's license or identification along with necessary cash, checks and or a credt card you expect to use.
- Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.
- Keep cash in your front poccket.
- Notify the card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misusd.
- Keep a record of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
- Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse, they are the prime targets of criminals in crowed shopping areas, transportatnn terminals, bus stops, buses and other rapid transit.
- Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is inportant to have clear visibility, freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
- Beware of strangers approachinq you for any reason. At this time of year con-artists may try various methods of distracting you with the intentbn of taking your money or belongings.
- Put packages or items you buy in your vehicle's trunk or out of sight inside your vehicle.
- Lock your vehicle when you park.
- Look inside your vehicle before you enter it to make sure no one is waiting inside for you.
These tips brought to you by Laurel County Sheriff John Root. Have a safe and happy holiday season!
