When you’re out shopping for the holidays, it’s easy to get distracted and become less aware of your surroundings. And unfortunately, thieves target distracted shoppers this time of year because they know people are transporting valuable items to their cars.
Here are some safety tips to follow this holiday shopping season:
1. Park in a well-lit area.
Always park under a streetlight or in a well-lit area. And if the sun hasn’t gone down when you arrive at a store, pay attention to where you park. It might be dark when you leave.
2. Approach your car with your keys ready.
Always approach your car with your keys in your hand. Rather than standing in the parking lot with your head down as you dig through a bag to find your keys, keep them readily accessible.
3. Make sure your phone is charged.
Arrive at your holiday shopping destination with a fully charged phone battery and keep a charging cable in your car.
4. Put your phone away.
And speaking of your phone, make sure you put yours away as you’re walking through the parking lot. Eliminate as many distractions as you can so that you’re able to stay aware of what’s going on around you.
5. Share your shopping plans.
Let your friends or family know when you’re headed out for shopping and when you plan to be home.
6. Walk with confidence – head up and eyes forward.
Walking with confidence makes you appear like less of a target to attackers. Keep your head up and your eyes forward so that you can easily scan your surroundings.
7. Trust your gut.
Always trust your gut instincts. If something doesn’t seem right or you get a strange feeling, go back inside the store. You can request that a security guard escort you to your car.
Remember to pay attention to your surroundings this holiday season. And if you’d like to learn self-defense skills to keep you and your family safe, check out the programs we’re currently offering at The Way Family Dojo in Magnolia.
Contact us to learn more about what we have to offer and how to get started!