Use caution when shopping

Local officials stress safety during holidays

By Laura Johnson | Dadeville Record

Published Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Statistics show that as the holiday season approaches and shoppers flood malls, the rate of property crime increases nationwide.

Small communities like Dadeville are sometimes shielded from that trend, but local officials still urge residents to be cautious when at home and out of town.

“I don’t foresee that in our community,” Lt. David Barbour said. “Everybody just needs to pay attention to their surroundings.”

Barbour added that the police department sometimes sees a slight increase in crime around the holidays, but that is not the case every year. He said that it is more of a problem in large cities where many Dadeville residents may go to shop for holiday gifts.

Tallapoosa County Sheriff Jimmy Abbett echoed these statements.

“We’re always conscious of crime at any time of the year, but sometimes there is a lot more shopping and people have their minds on that and are not always alert,” Abbett said. “We just ask them to be more careful around the holidays.”

He added that the safety precautions recommended for the holiday season should actually be followed year-round.

Attorney General Troy King is also urging Alabamians to take extra safety precautions around the holidays.

“As we plan to share this festive season with gift buying for family and friends, it is a sad fact that criminals will be waiting for an opportunity to steal from you,” King said in a statement. “They know that shoppers become distracted, tired and stressed, and vulnerable to thieves who would prey upon them. Be wary of old-fashioned thieves who will snatch your purse, grab your packages or break into your car; but also watch out for Internet scams, or thieves who use technology to steal your information. “

King released the following tips in a press release Tuesday.

n Do not announce your holiday shopping or travel plans on your blog, Facebook, MySpace, or any other social networking site or other website, or through an email auto-reply message.  It allows potential thieves to know when your house is vulnerable to a break-in.

n Be very careful while shopping online. While some online sites are operated by reputable businesses, many online sites are not. Only shop with those you know are reputable.

n Using “secure” Web sites will help ensure that personal information, such as your name, address and credit card number, is transmitted to the merchant safely, without being intercepted by a third party. Identify secure Web sites by looking for Web addresses that begin with “https” and look for a small padlock symbol at the bottom of the page.

n Avoid leaving packages or shopping bags visible in your car – lock them in the trunk out of sight if you must leave packages in your car unattended. Return to your vehicle periodically to check on it and to reduce the amount you are carrying with you.

n When possible, have purchases delivered instead of taking them with you; many businesses offer free delivery during the holiday shopping season.

n When purchasing your gifts, be aware of the store’s refund/exchange policy. The store should have it posted or listed on your receipt. Be sure to find out what the policy is before you leave the store.

n Shop with friends or relatives if possible; there is safety in numbers. As you shop, be alert in crowded places. Among pickpockets’ favorites are revolving doors, jammed aisles, elevators, public transportation stops and vehicles, especially at rush hour. Carry the day’s most expensive purchases closest to your body, and don’t carry so much that you lose the ability to react quickly.

n If possible, leave your children with a baby-sitter while you are shopping. For holiday shopping, consider making arrangements with family or friends/neighbors, and take turns baby-sitting. If you take your children with you, keep a close eye on them while shopping. Teach your children to go to a store clerk, security guard or police officer if they get separated from you in the store or mall, and be sure they know their first and last name so they can tell someone who they are. It is best to keep children under age four in a stroller.

n Using a drive-up ATM (automated teller machine) is usually safer than walking up to an ATM. Remember to look around you as you make your withdrawal. Many ATMs now have “fisheye” mirrors mounted above the keyboard to enable you to view the entire surrounding area while conducting business. Try to patronize ATMS equipped with these, and remember to use the mirror.

n Never drive with your purse on the front seat. A crook can break your window and steal your purse in a matter of seconds.

n Be careful of scammers approaching you in parking lots disguising themselves as needy. People like to be extra generous during the holidays and scammers love to take advantage of generosity. Be aware of persons claiming to be in need of “quick” cash and wanting to write a check in exchange for a lesser amount of cash—for example, offering a $100 check for $50 in cash. You usually end up holding a bad check and the crook will have disappeared.

n Travel and conduct your business during daylight hours if possible. Lock doors and windows when getting into your car and keep them locked while driving.

n Be aware that thieves can photograph your PIN numbers and account numbers with their cell phone cameras from behind you while you are making your purchases.

n Keep conversations private and casual in public. You never know who is nearby and listening to steal your information.

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