Malls during the holiday season make shoppers particularly female shoppers prime targets for criminals, especially with the crowds and the majority of shoppers being distracted and in a hurry. It is all too easy to become a statistic, however if you follow these simple tips you will be able to remain safe while shopping this holiday season. Contact the Home Mechanics for all of your home repair needs
[caption id="attachment_7950" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Stay Safe This Shopping Season "]
[/caption]
Use the buddy system
and shop with a friend. You are more likely to become a target if you are alone.- Park your car in a well-lit area and keep track of where it's parked. This will get you in your car and on your way faster.
- Be careful what you post online. Don't alert others that you aren't at home.
- Consolidate packages so you're a less desirable target for criminals looking to steal your belongings.
- Wear your purse across the body to keep your hands free for your keys, both when heading to your car and into your home.
- Hide purchases from view in your parked car to prevent breakins.
- Be just as vigilant about your surroundings during the daylight hours. A crime can occur at any time.
- Take extra precautions. For example, StreetSafe is a new mobile personal security system that uses your smart phone's GPS technology to connect to help instantly, before a situation turns into an emergency. Street Safe's "Walk With Me" service offers a live connection to a professional safety advisor to keep you safe when walking in unfamiliar or threatening surroundings and provides instant access to 911 if needed.
- Stay alert while you are walking to your car. Talking or texting on your phone or digging in your purse for your keys while walking is a distraction and makes you an easy target.
- Check the back seat for potential criminals before getting back in your car. Carry your keys in your hand while you are walking toward your vehicle, and pick a parking space that's easy to back out of so that you can leave the parking lot quickly.
- Ask to have your packages delivered. Though this costs a little, you won't have to deal with the hassle of carrying your things to the car and then unloading them when you get home. Women carrying a lot of packages are often targets for criminals because such shoppers are distracted and not as mobile.
Get other great tips for all aspects of your life from SheKnows