Holiday Safety Tips

From: Colonel Billy Garrett

In an effort to keep Midtown shoppers safe this holiday, I have prepared a list of tips that I hope will be helpful. Enjoy your holidays and be safe. Remember, we should NEVER live in fear.

1. Plan to make your trip during the daytime.
2. If you must shop at night, go with a friend.
3. Pick well lit parking spaces to park.
4. Park as close to the front entrance as possible. (Decreasing the time you spend going to and from the store makes it more difficult for you to become a target).
5. Be aware of your surroundings.
6. Lock your car, set your alarm.
7. Don’t leave valuables or packages in plain view.
8. Don’t leave GPS devices visible in your car. Put them in your purse, or glove box.
9. Never leave laptops or cell phones in your car.
10. Consider a purchasing electronic tracking devices for your laptops (for example LoJack tracking systems and other similar products)
11. Consider purchasing tracking devices for loved ones to carry with them or in their vehicle. Certain GPS devices and Cell Phones have this technology, ask about different products that provide this service.
12. Put packages in the trunk.
13. As soon as you get into your vehicle, lock the doors.
14. When returning to your car, walk with your keys in your hands.
15. Give a general check around your vehicle when returning. If you see anything suspicious, simply turn around and go back inside the store.
16. If approached by someone you don’t know who is panhandling or otherwise annoying you, turn around and walk away. Do not engage in conversation.
17. Don’t carry or show a lot of cash.
18. Only leave your car key with a parking attendant (not all of your keys).
19. Keep handbags and pockets closed, buttoned or zipped up.
20. If your purse is a shoulder strap, CARRY IT OVER YOUR SHOULDER!