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Sheriff’s office reminds holiday shoppers to shop safely
By OBSERVER STAFF REPORTS
Sheriff Tommy Thomas and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office want to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. To ensure holiday shoppers stay safe while running errands, here are some tips that can help holiday safety pitfalls:
Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t get so caught up in shopping to the point of failing to pay attention to what is going on around you.
Shop during daylight hours whenever possible and in groups of two or more, no matter if it is day or night.
Park in well-lit areas. Try to walk out with a group of people. There is safety in numbers. Also, you can ask for the mall security to escort you to your vehicle.
Make sure you lock your car and hide your valuables. When returning to your car, don’t dilly-dally around. Get in and lock the doors.
Ladies, avoid carrying a purse if possible. Place your money, credit card and identification in your front pants pocket.
Avoid carrying too many bags, as you become an easy target and are unable to defend yourself. If you need to, make several trips to your car and secure your merchandise in the trunk. This will allow you to have your hands free if you need to ward off an attack.
Have your keys ready before leaving the store so you are not searching for them in an unsecured parking lot.
Try to avoid shopping with small children. It can become difficult getting them in and out of a vehicle especially if you are carrying several bags. Try to make arrangements with friends and family to take turns watching the children. If you must bring them, instruct them to get into the vehicle right away and buckle up.
Avoid isolated ATM machines. If you must stop and get cash, do so in the day light hours and try and use a drive-up ATM. This is usually safer than walking up or into a facility. Remember to pay attention to your surroundings.
When returning home, make sure no one is following you. Before exiting your vehicle, check your surroundings. Also, if someone is home, have them come and greet you and help you carry in your bags. If you believe someone is following you, try and get a license plate number and a description of the vehicle. Stay on main roadways and avoid isolated streets and cul-de-sacs. Go to an occupied and lighted location, such as a grocery store, fire station or police station. Most everyone has a cellular telephone. Don’t hesitate to call for help.
Let someone know where you will be and when you intend to return. Leave a note detailing your agenda. Periodically contact a friend or family member and let them know your destination.
Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t get so caught up in shopping to the point of failing to pay attention to what is going on around you.
Shop during daylight hours whenever possible and in groups of two or more, no matter if it is day or night.
Park in well-lit areas. Try to walk out with a group of people. There is safety in numbers. Also, you can ask for the mall security to escort you to your vehicle.
Make sure you lock your car and hide your valuables. When returning to your car, don’t dilly-dally around. Get in and lock the doors.
Ladies, avoid carrying a purse if possible. Place your money, credit card and identification in your front pants pocket.
Avoid carrying too many bags, as you become an easy target and are unable to defend yourself. If you need to, make several trips to your car and secure your merchandise in the trunk. This will allow you to have your hands free if you need to ward off an attack.
Have your keys ready before leaving the store so you are not searching for them in an unsecured parking lot.
Try to avoid shopping with small children. It can become difficult getting them in and out of a vehicle especially if you are carrying several bags. Try to make arrangements with friends and family to take turns watching the children. If you must bring them, instruct them to get into the vehicle right away and buckle up.
Avoid isolated ATM machines. If you must stop and get cash, do so in the day light hours and try and use a drive-up ATM. This is usually safer than walking up or into a facility. Remember to pay attention to your surroundings.
When returning home, make sure no one is following you. Before exiting your vehicle, check your surroundings. Also, if someone is home, have them come and greet you and help you carry in your bags. If you believe someone is following you, try and get a license plate number and a description of the vehicle. Stay on main roadways and avoid isolated streets and cul-de-sacs. Go to an occupied and lighted location, such as a grocery store, fire station or police station. Most everyone has a cellular telephone. Don’t hesitate to call for help.
Let someone know where you will be and when you intend to return. Leave a note detailing your agenda. Periodically contact a friend or family member and let them know your destination.
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