The holiday season is a fun time to be out and about. There’s a buzz in the air, everyone’s in a good mood, there’s lots of great food to enjoy as you’re shopping, and it just plain feels festive. If you love that kind of thing, than you need to realize something: it’s the perfect time for crime. Yes, seriously. When you’re in the crowd and you’re on the hunt for that perfect present purchase, you’re not paying as much attention to your surroundings as you would normally, so it’s the ideal time for a pick-pocket or thief to swoop in and bleed you dry.
Here are some tips to make sure that you stay as safe as possible this year:
Carry your wallet or purse on the inside of your sweater or jacket
If you are wearing a jacket or a sweater, it’s worth your while to wear your purse underneath it, or tuck your wallet into a pocket on the inside, and zip or snap it closed. Another good idea is to tuck it under your arm so you will feel if someone is slipping their hand into your purse or bag. This will make it harder for a pickpocket to nab it from you.
Don’t laden yourself with packages
None of us want to run packages out to the car, but you need to make sure that you don’t load yourself down with bags or packages. It makes it easier for someone to take one from you without you noticing, and it also makes you more of a target for people who want to steal from you. Try to carry as little as possible and be watchful if you do have a lot of things with you. Be aware of your surroundings.
Be watchful for someone approaching you or hovering nearby
If you are wandering around a store, be careful to watch for anyone who is approaching you too quickly (or is standing too close to you), or anyone who is hovering around you even as you move from section to section. You need to be more vigilant during the holiday season for this kind of behavior. It’s not just to protect your bags from theft but for your personal safety as well.
Shop in pairs or groups
When you are shopping – by day or by night – you’ll want to make sure that you shop in pairs or groups. Shopping alone makes you an easy target and it means that you need to be very much on guard at all times. A buddy makes it easier and you can watch each other’s backs, plus it’s more fun. A criminal will know this, too, so he or she will go to the solitary shoppers.
The holiday season is full of cheer as you move from store to store, but it can also be dangerous. Be aware of that and make sure that you stay safe and smart smart this season so that it’s all pleasant memories and free from of bad occasions. These tips will help you be cautious and careful, and you won’t find that it is going to get in the way of you enjoying the experience, either, which makes them fun and easy to add into your shopping routine.
While we don’t insure your packages while you are out an about, your safety is our utmost concern and we want you to enjoy your holiday season. Should you have any questions about theft from your car or your home, please contact Paula Smith Insurance at (281) 488-8880 to review your home or vehicle insurance policy.