The Pennsylvania State Police, Troop M-Bethlehem, are reminding Lehigh Valley residents to follow common sense safety practices while shopping this holiday season.
“With the holiday season such a hectic time of year, people tend to forget that they must be aware of their surroundings while shopping,” police said in a news release. “The Pennsylvania State Police at Troop M wish each of you a safe and joyous holiday season. Do your part to make the holidays a safe and happy time for everybody; except the criminals.”
Police recommend the before shopping, people:
- Plan to carry only small amounts of cash.
- Carry keys, credit cards and cash separately from each other.
- Be extremely careful when using ATM machines.
- Wear conservative, comfortable clothing and minimal jewelry.
- If you have a cell phone, carry it with you.
- While driving, keep your doors locked and your windows rolled up.
- Keep your car’s gas tank at least half full.
While shopping, police recommend doing the following:
- If you carry a purse, keep it closed and carry it close to your body.
- Park close to your destination and in a well-lit area.
- Maintain a heightened awareness of your surroundings.
- Grip items you are carrying firmly and avoid leaving them unattended.
- Keep a close eye on children while shopping.
After shopping, police say you should do the following:
- Leave the mall before closing time. It is safer to walk out of malls with other people.
- If you’re in a hurry or in a very crowded store, be sure that you have your credit card and all forms of ID returned to you before leaving.
- Use an escort or mall security if you have many packages or are leaving a mall at closing.
- Check underneath your car as you’re approaching it. It is a common place for criminals to hide.
- Check the interior of your car before getting into it.
- When returning to your vehicle, carry your keys in your hand and be ready to unlock the door and enter it quickly.
At home:
- After opening gifts, break down cardboard boxes of expensive electronics and put them in plastic bags to hide the fact that you have valuable items in your home.
- Be sure to lock your windows and doors when you leave.
- Leave exterior and interior lights turned on so you can see upon returning home.
