Keeping shoppers safe




The busiest shopping days of the year are here. Malls, retailers and grocery stores will be more crowded than usual with busy shoppers. To keep them and their purchases safe, shoppers should keep the following in mind:

Lock vehicles. Whether the vehicle is parked at a store or in a driveway, lock it and hide or remove all valuables from view. Tell a security guard or store employee about any unattended bag or package. The same applies when taking mass transit.

Do not buy more than can be carried. If the packages are blocking the view or restricting freedom of motion, ask a store employee to help carry the packages to the parking lot.

Be cautious with a wallet or purse. Do not leave a purse unattended in a shopping cart, or turn away from it while shopping.

Be aware of strangers approaching for any reason. At this time of year, con artists may try various methods of distraction with the intention of taking money or belongings.

Criminals may be watching shoppers place packages in their car and then go to another store. That’s when thieves break into a car to steal what was just stowed away.

When shopping with children, keep the following advice in mind:

Ensure that children know your cellphone number and give cards with contact information to any who don’t.

Make a plan with children in case the group becomes separated. Have a central meeting place, and review with children who they can turn to for help if they find themselves alone.

Go over the dangers of strangers with them so that they know who not to talk to or follow.

By following this advice, shoppers can reduce the stress of shopping during this busy season. Keep personal safety in mind, be aware of the surroundings and be on the lookout for fraud and identity theft.

Report any suspicious activity to the local police department, or in the case of an emergency dial 911.

This article provided by the Moorpark Police Department.



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