Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

Cursor… Cursor..

I decided to post this blog this week because I faced a gun twice (it's not an experience I want anyone to have) and next week with the holiday we all will be too busy to sit and read. Also, I’d like to reach as many friends and friends of friends before they head out the door on BLACK FRIDAY and become victims.

Holiday shopping is dangerous. While humming classic tunes, we head to the stores with visions of the perfect Norman Rockwell holiday fogging our minds. The malls are busier than any other time of the year, and as we juggle packages while seeking the next ideal gift for little Bobby or Susie, predators lurk near. Your purse or wallet is his target. The packages you carry are his prey. You are about to become his victim if you don’t do something to protect yourself from the holiday stalker.

1) Keep a list of your credit card numbers and contact phone numbers at home.

2) Dress comfortably.

3) Do not wear expensive jewelry.

4) Never go shopping by yourself. If you do, walk with other shoppers to and from the store or ask a security guard to walk you to your vehicle.

5) Avoid shopping at night if at all possible.

6) If you can’t park near an entrance, consider parking near the roadway entering the store. Thieves do not like to have an audience when committing their crime. Also search out well lit areas. Familiarize yourself with the area you’ve parked.

7) Strip your car. Put all CD, sunglasses, loose change anything of any value out of view.

8) Hide your GPS and garage door opener from view, or better yet leave them at home. A thief can easily

9) Do not use your keychain control to lock your doors. Techno savvy thieves could pick up on the frequency and unlock your car.

10) Avoid revolving doors. Predators can grab your purse as entering and make a clean get-a-way before you can emerge.

11) Men carry your wallets in your front pocket and woman carry your purse close to your body with the flap turned toward you. When walking with someone, carry the purse between you. Consider using a fanny pack. Only carry the necessary cash and or one credit card. Leave check book and other credit cards at home.

12) Do not flash large amounts of cash.

13) Watch while your credit card is receipt is filled out and that your credit card is only swiped once. Also request any carbons. Keep receipts in your pocket, not in your bags. Make sure you get your credit card back.

14) Never lay your purchases down.

15) Avoid using restrooms where there are long, dim, hallways.

16) Do not use arcades or video stores as babysitters for children of any age. Predators are waiting.

17) Make regular trips to your car so that you’re not over burden.

18) Save your most expensive purchases for last. Go straight home. Do not stop afterwards for lunch or dinner.

19) Do not carry big packages that obstruct your view.

20) Have your keys in your hand when exiting the store. Walk with authority. Check backseat and under car. Lock door immediately.

21) Be aware of approaching strangers. Con artists may try various methods to distract you.

22) Stow your purchases in the trunk. Never in the backseat. Remember a thief doesn’t care if you have to replace your car window.

23) If you see what looks to be a parking ticket under your wiper, ignore it and pull away. Check it at another location.

24) Never go home if you think you’re being followed. Go to a busy, well-lit safe place.

25) Even though you have a zillion things on your mind, stay alert, don’t be the easy target and have a wonderful holiday.

If you have another tip or experience relating to a scary experience, please share. Also everyone commenting will be entered into a drawing for a 2010 pocket calendar. This week, I’m picking three winners.

One more thing, I'll be blogging on the Ruby Slippered Sisterhood blog this Friday, Nov 20. It's my Birthday. Topic; A Holiday Writing Recipe. I hope you'll stop by.

40 comments:

  1. I often wonder what people were thinking when they put women's restrooms at the end of long, dim corridors!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for the tips, Autumn. I'm curious about the guns you faced. Scary!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh, happy birthday, Autumn! That's my daughter's birthday as well. Actually I know quite a few people, all female, incidentally, who share that birthday. Something special about that day for women. :)

    Thanks for the tips and wow on the guns! Thank goodness for online shopping, I rarely go to a store during the holiday season. Nope, nope, nope, crowds are not for me.

    di (aka Diana Layne)

    ReplyDelete
  4. An excellent post. Thank you for your concern regarding our safety.

    ReplyDelete
  5. EEK!!!! I hate that you had to live through the horrible experiences, to give us these tips, but thank you so much for sharing them. I will pass on the blog address to my friends so they can read your post. Hugs! Colleen

    ReplyDelete
  6. You and me both, Barbara. Never go down those halls alone. It seems anymore even two people walking together is not a deterrent. Be careful.

    ReplyDelete
  7. You're welcome, Janice. And yes, I went rhought two armed-robbies. I didn't sleep for months after each. BIG SCARY.

    ReplyDelete
  8. My sister, barefoot di! Really. Happy Birthday to your daughter. Us soorpios are special.

    Please tell your friends about the list. I certainly don't want to hear bad news on any of my lists.

    Thanks for stopping by sis. AJ

    ReplyDelete
  9. Ah, Miss Mae, thank you. Please stay safe and please, please tell your friends and family. ((HUGS)) Aj

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thank you, Colleen. We certainly want all to be aware. Let's make it a skimpy holiday for the bad guys.

    ((HUGS)) AJ

    ReplyDelete
  11. Sorry you had a scary experience! Thanks for the heads up on being careful during the holiday season.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I shop year around to avoid too much Holiday shopping.

    ReplyDelete
  13. That you for the tips! These are important things to remember!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I don't shop on Black Friday. I make the "at home" Thanksgiving dinner since we go to Mom's and dh misses leftovers (yeah. Joy.) I will, however, be meeting my niece on the 20th to shop a bit since it is her birthday, as well, and, of course, this year she wants to come see me. Since I love her, I'll find the time.

    So I'll think of you on Friday, and since we'll be in Tannersville, if you get the urge...

    {{{Hugs}}}

    ReplyDelete
  15. Caridad, Thanks for stopping by. Please pass on to your friends, family and that special daughter of yours.

    ((HUGS))
    AJ

    ReplyDelete
  16. That is smart, Kelly, but even if you go grocery shopping be careful. Theives don't care what you're buying. I want you safe, RS sis.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Lynne, Thanks for stopping by again. I wish you a wonderful holiday. AJ

    ReplyDelete
  18. Ah, Gwen, thanks. I would love to have off for my birthday but it is not meant to be. Beware when you're out and about. The crossings will sure to have a few bad boys scoping things out.

    ((HUGS)) AJ

    ReplyDelete
  19. Ah. I avoid Black Friday like it has cooties. Crowds and cranky people fighting me for that perfect shirt for your sister make me say very loud bad words. I don't need that angst.

    Has anyone ever shopped online on Black Friday? For most of the stores you are going to, they will have online specials that rival the ones you get in the store.

    Shopping throughout the year, especially on trips and such, or making at least some of your gifts, saves a lot of time you DON'T have around the holidays.

    Be safe all!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Autumn,

    Thanks for the proactive prevention. I'll be sending the post along. Also sorry you had to expeience such trauma. Now you have prepared others for safety!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Everyone is mentioning Black Friday, remember thieves work other days too. I, like a lot of you, shop on line, but there are items that I like to look at before deciding to buy. So I might not have a choice but to go OUT THERE.

    Also, there is something in the air that draws to the stores. The music. The hustle and bustle. The lights and decorations. It truly is a magical time of year and we can enjoy, but we need to be aware of our surroundings.

    I love homemade gifts. They are so special. Kudos to you Steph for suggesting that bit of advice.

    AJ

    ReplyDelete
  22. Thanks, Vicki. I truly wish all a safe holiday. Thanks for stopping by. AJ

    ReplyDelete
  23. Great advice.

    I'm doing most of my shopping this year online. Due to health issues, I'm unable to handle the crowds.

    But I managed to find 'truck antlers' as a gag gift for my hunting son. I'd hate to think how many stores I would have to go into to search for that item. Or the purple chandelier that my sister found so enchanting...she's getting a chandelier lamp for Christmas.

    I miss the sounds and sights, but this Black Friday, I'm starting to decorate. I have some lovely Christmas music I can play that will put me in the mood.

    My new catch phrase to my family and loved ones when they go off, is 'Be Safe'....

    ReplyDelete
  24. LOL. Truck Atlers. I love it. So soory to hear you're having problems though. ((HUGS))

    I have to work a half of day Black Friday, but I think afterwards I'm going to do something NASTY. I good housecleaning before I put up the Christmas decorations. Or maybe I'll just write, eat some more turkey and take a nap.

    Be safe... I like that too.

    (((HUGS)) AJ

    ReplyDelete
  25. Some of the best advise I have ever heard Autumn truly, follow these rules for safety!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Thanks, Mary. I did research from different police departments to pull the list together. I hope it helps someone.

    AJ

    ReplyDelete
  27. Watch out for cell phones at the counter. They can take a picture of your card to get the name and numbers.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Great advice, Autumn. Thanks for posting that.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Excellent, Emma Lai! I didn't think of that. Also, I heard to gift cards on the display are a no no. The numbers can be copied. Once their activated, the thievies can use them for on-line purchases. Scary stuff.

    Thanks for posting, lady.
    AJ

    ReplyDelete
  30. You're welcome, Mona. Thanks for stopping by.

    AJ

    ReplyDelete
  31. Bah Humbug
    No shopping on Black Friday.
    Writing and recovering from turkey day.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Ah, Lisa. I went shopping once on Black Friday. I came home with less than I had hoped. My time is too valuable. I like shopping early on another day with my game plan in hand.

    I hope you have a great time. Please be safe.

    Remember to check out the Ruby Slippered Sisterhood blog this Friday. I'm dishing out a Writing Holiday recipe.

    AJ

    ReplyDelete
  33. Autumn

    Thanks so much for posting. I've heard some of these before, but they bear reminding. I seldom go to the malls during Christmas season because I hate the crowds. I do most of my shopping online. When I shop I always take a small purse that I can strap across my chest. However, someone once told me that a thief can grab the strap and drag you down.

    Carolyn Matkowsky/Cara Marsi

    ReplyDelete
  34. I need to drive home and make dinner, but I will be back. Keep sharing. AJ

    ReplyDelete
  35. Hey, Cara. Congrats on another sale to the Trues, lady.

    You're so right about the purse strap. I actually use a fanny pack when out with the holiday crowd. It might be a fashion no no, but hey safety first, right?

    Pass the list on to famuli and friends. We want all to be safe.

    AJ

    ReplyDelete
  36. Thanks, Autumn. You have indeed shown us the grim underside of the Norman Rockwell scene. I think we'll all be safer this year because of you. I want to call bad guys animals, but they're worse. Nothing scarier than looking into another human being's eyes and seeing....nothing.

    ReplyDelete
  37. You are so right and you won't forget those cold eyes for months. I'm happy what I complied will help others.

    Have a safe holiday and please stop back again.

    AJ

    ReplyDelete
  38. And the winners of the pocket calendars are...

    Stefwithnf
    Caridad Pineiro
    Vikkibakus

    Ladies, please email me at autumnjordon@yahoo.com with your snail mail addies.

    Thanks everyone. Please tell others about the post and remember, I'm blogging Friday Nov. 20th at the Ruby Slippered Sisters Blog. I'll be giving away more prizes.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Great tips! I love shopping in the stores for the feeling of the spirit of Christmas, but I can see how online is sometimes the better way.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Hi, Loetta. I love the atmosphere too! The sights, sound of the holiday. Be safe out there. And I’m at The Ruby Slippered Sisters blog today, dishing out a holiday writing recipe. Stop over if you get a chance. It’s my B-day and I’m giving away prizes. Here’s the link for your convenience. http://www.rubyslipperedsisterhood.com

    ReplyDelete