Don't Let Your Holiday Be Stolen; Tips for Safe Holiday Shopping
Crimes of opportunity take only seconds for thieves. Be sure to place any valuables out of sight or lock them safely in the truck.
With the holidays quickly approaching, Sandy Police Department would like to offer the following safety tips to shoppers. Even though you may be too busy during the hectic holiday schedule to notice your habits at home or during shopping, thieves may be watching as you leave your home or your car. Crimes of opportunity often take only seconds to complete.
• Lock all doors at your home and garage – Criminals will use the quickest access to enter your home while you are away to remove items that can be taken in a hurry.
• Lock valuables in your trunk before leaving your home – If you prefer to leave your purse in the trunk of your car while you shop, please place it in the truck before you leave your home. Police report they have had several items recently stolen from the trunk of vehicles after victims open their trunks and attempt to hide their valuables after arriving at their destination unaware they were being
watched.
• Remove valuables in your car that can easily be seen – Again, try to place them in the trunk before leaving your home. If you are placing recent purchases in the trunk during a shopping trip, the police strongly suggest moving your vehicle to another parking location before returning inside the store.
• Check your bank accounts often – The holiday season is a time when a lot of people are using credit and debit cards which can increase the chance of becoming a victim of identity theft.
• Pay attention and slow down – Plan ahead as you travel to your various destinations and make allowances for bad weather and heavy shopping times so you arrive safe and on time.
• Watch closely and be aware of your surroundings – Don’t leave your purse and other valuables unattended in shopping carts. Try not to have your hands so full of packages when leaving stores that you become an easy victim.
Taking extra precautions this holiday season can help ensure safety to those hopping and traveling. If you do encounter suspicious activity, please call police dispatch or in the event of an immediate emergency, call 911.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
