from staff
As shoppers hit the stores today and throughout the holiday season, they can take precautions to avoid becoming victims of crime.
Sheriff John Rutherford offers “holiday safety tips” for 2010.
Many seem to be common sense, but shoppers might forget during the hustle and hassle of crowds and deadlines.
Shoppers need to know that thieves might be watching them for opportunities to steal their stuff.
In fact, the favorite spots for pickpockets are revolving doors, jammed aisles, elevators and public transportation stops and vehicles, especially at rush hour.
Here are the sheriff’s safety tips for when you’re out and when you’re at home.
When you’re out:
• When parking, roll up windows, lock the vehicle and take your keys with you. Don’t leave garage-door openers or house keys in your car.
• Don’t leave children or pets unattended in a car.
• Lock personal information, such as insurance cards and registration, in the glove box or storage compartment. Locking information inside as well as locking the car might “harden the target” for thieves who want to work quickly.
• If you must leave valuables in your car, place them out of sight before reaching your destination.
• If shopping past daylight, park and walk in lighted areas and shop with a friend if possible. Remember where you park, too.
• Women are advised to scream “fire!” if grabbed rather than “help.” This will get people’s attention and assistance more easily.
• Don’t appear vulnerable or distracted. Don’t leave the store overloaded with packages; have car keys ready; don’t talk or text while moving through stores or the parking lot; remove earphones; and keep bags, purses and backpacks close to your body.
• Move with a purpose.
• Make electronics, jewelry or other electronics purchases last so that you don’t have to store them in the car.
• Load your trunk when you leave. Never open a trunk, fill it with valuables, close it and walk off for more shopping or errands. An opportunistic thief is looking for “trunk-packing” and can break into a car quickly.
• Thieves also check glove compartments, behind seats and under seats, all the “usual” hiding places.
• Never leave a car unlocked or the engine running.
• Be alert, dress comfortably, grip items firmly, wear minimal jewelry and carry little cash.
• Shop with other people. There is safety in numbers.
• Try not to shop with young children. If you bring them, keep a close eye on them.
• Use debit or credit cards rather than carrying a lot of cash. Or take travelers checks, which can be replaced if lost or stolen.
• Visit ATMs only at well-lighted and populated locations and preferably during daylight. The drive-up is usually safer than walking to a facility. Be alert and use the ATM mirror that allows you to see who’s behind and around you.
• Someone loitering at the ATM? Don’t feel safe? Go to another ATM.
• Guard your PIN so no one can see you use it or find it written anywhere.
When you’re at home:
• Keep the garage door closed. Thieves look for open garage doors.
• Don’t put gifts under a Christmas tree in a front window.
• Lock your car at home, too.
• Close and lock doors when you’re not using them. Watch the window access, too.
• Keep your home lit when you’re not there.
• Have a trusted person pick up your mail and newspapers when you are away.
• When you receive valuable gifts, break down the package boxes or bags and put them into dark garbage bags before putting them into the trash.
For more information, visit www.jaxsheriff.org