Extension Report

Baldwin County Extension Office

302A Byrne Street

Bay Minette, AL  36507

Telephone (251) 937-7176 or

928-0860/943-5061 ext. 2222

FAX (251) 937-7285

Carolyn Bivins

Regional Extension Agent

Human Nutrition, Diet & Health

December 14, 2010

Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

The holidays, a time for cheer, hope and joy, are here, but unfortunately, it can be a time when crime becomes more uncontrolled.

Here are some holiday safety tips to help make your holiday season a safe and happy one.  Please take some time to read them and share them with your family and friends:

If you are shopping:

• Stay alert and be aware of what's going on around you.

• Deter pickpockets and purse-snatchers. Don't overburden yourself with packages. Dress comfortably and casually. Be extra careful with purses and wallets. Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.

• Never leave your purse in a shopping cart or on a counter while you pay for your purchases. When using public restrooms, use extreme caution - try to avoid putting your purse on hooks or door handles.

• Never carry large amounts of money. Whenever possible, use credit cards or checks instead of cash. Make sure that only one credit slip is printed with your charge card and be sure to tear up any carbons.

• Park in a well-lighted space, and be sure to lock the car, close the windows, and hide shopping bags and gifts in the trunk or out of sight

• Remember where your car is parked.  Walk directly to your car and do not spend unnecessary time wandering around the parking lot.  Walk confidently and with a purpose.

• When returning to your auto (or home), have your keys in your hand, ready to openthe door.

• Before entering your vehicle, carefully check the front and rear seats and floors for anyone that may be hiding there. Lock your doors immediately after entering the vehicle.

• Move your car.  If you return to the car in the middle of a shopping trip, move to another area of the parking, to deter a thief who may have been watching you unload your purchases.

• Try to shop with friends or relatives. There is safety in numbers.

• Shopping with kids? Teach them to go to a store clerk or security guard if you get

              separated.

• Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason.  At this time of year, “con-artists” may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.

If a stranger comes to the door, beware:

• Criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts. And it's not uncommon for people to try to take advantage of others' generosity during the holidays by going door-to-door for charitable donations when there's no charity involved. Ask for identification, and find out how the funds will be used. If you aren't satisfied, don't give. Help a charitable organization you know and like instead.

If you are out for the evening or traveling away:

• Get an automatic timer for your lights and for a radio or TV, so it looks like someone's home.

• Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave, even if it's just for a few minutes.

• Don't display gifts where they can be seen from outside.

• Turning your telephone ringer down or off will avoid having your absences advertised by long, loud ringing. 

• Ask a neighbor to watch your home, and park in the driveway from time to time.

• Don't forget to have mail and newspaper delivery stopped.  If it piles up, it's a sure sign you're gone.

• Never leave a key under the mat, flowerpot or over the door frame.  Any place you can think of, criminals can think of too.

• When driving, keep doors locked and windows rolled up at all times. Maintain at least half a tank of fuel, and keep your vehicle in good repair.

Take a holiday inventory:

• The holidays are a good time to update - or create - your home inventory. Take photos or make videos of items, and list descriptions and serial numbers. If your home is burglarized, having a detailed inventory can help identify stolen items and make insurance claims easier to file. 

• Remember, personal safety first!   If you return home to find your residence has been broken into, don’t go in.  The criminals may still be inside.  Go to a neighbor’s house and call the police. (Source: LAPD Crime Prevention Section)

We hope that you keep these tips in mind as you get ready to enjoy the Christmas Holidays.  The Alabama Cooperative Extension System-Baldwin County Office will be closed from December 20-30 for the Christmas and New Year holiday. We hope you have a healthy, merry, safe, Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Email address: cbivins@aces.edu

Phone: 937-7176 or 943-5061, 928-0860, ext. 2222

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities) in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity educator and employer.