Because I Care About You

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Yes, I know many do their shopping on-line now and have thier gifts delivered, but there still many who enjoy the holiday shopping experience and brave the shops and malls. This post is for them because I care.

I decided to post this blog this week because next week, with the holiday, we'll be too busy to sit and read anything. Also, I’d like to reach as many friends and friends of friends before they head out the door and become victims, so please pass my blog link on.

Holiday shopping is dangerous. Humming classic tunes, we head to the stores with visions of the perfect Currier & Ives 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're about to become his victim, if you don’t do something to protect yourself.


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 CDs, 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 break a window take these items and wait to follow you home. Only to rob you later.

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 your check book and additional credit cards at home.

12) Do not flash large amounts of cash.


13) Watch while your credit card 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 overburden.

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 your backseat and under the car. Lock your 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. This is a way to disattract you and get you out of your car.

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. Remember for whom you went shopping. You, not the gifts, are what is important to your family and friends.
Have a wonderful holiday.


If you have another tip or experience relating to a scary experience, please share.