Thanksgiving arriving so late this year means a compressed “holiday” season. Too much preparation and too little time are the watchwords of many of my friends.But in the midst of Christmas celebrations and holiday cheer, we find an unsavory element – scam artists, robbers of all varies, and identity thieves. While we hum our favorite holiday music, we need to turn our awareness monitor to its highest level.
The Department of Public Safety at the Community College of Baltimore County gives a list of tips we should all take seriously. Some tips seem common sense while others spring from the accumulated experience of law enforcement professionals.
Of course, with the sun setting slightly before 5 p.m. these days, most people cannot avoid shopping after dark. Public safety professionals urge us to avoid driving alone and to keep our car doors locked and windows closed. If your auto has an anti-theft device, make sure to set it.
A parking lot can transform shoppers into sitting ducks. Park in well-lighted areas. Also, avoid parking near vans, trucks with camper tops, and cars with tinted windows. All these factors create concealment for those who may demand your Christmas or your life.
Do not leave Christmas purchases in plain sight. Seeing a backseat filled with gifts not only creates temptation but also reveals a target rich environment.
Walking from car to store or store to car creates its own special hazards. Always have your keys in hand. Find them before you leave the store. Keep your handbag and parcels secure in your grip. If you put your purse or keys on top of your car, you are inviting trouble. If you see people milling around the area of your car, go back inside the store. If the store has security available, ask for an escort to your vehicle.
Dress casually and do not wear expensive jewelry. Pay for purchases with a check or credit card. Always have your driver’s license or some form of ID. Keep these items in your front pocket. Trying to take items from a front pocket is much more difficult than removing items from a coat or rear pocket.
Our area has seen a rash of home invasion, so do not merely take precautions when you are out. Practice safety at home, as well. Do not place large displays of gifts in front of a window. A Christmas tree surrounded by gifts may give you home a postcard look, but those gifts let the thieves see your booty. Remember: keep your booty out of sight.
Always remember that criminals develop clever ways of gaining access to your home. A crook may pose as a delivery person. He or she may be going door-to-door seeking “donations.” You could end up donating more than you thought possible.
Even if the door-to-door “solicitor” is not trying to break in, keep in mind many of these solicitors are not legit. When you hand over your cash, you may become the unwitting victim of a flimflam artist.
If you need cash, practice ATM safety. Use an ATM inside a mall or store. Withdraw only the amount of cash you need right then. Carrying large amounts of cash means a robber gets a good payday. Shield your PIN and do not toss the receipt. Guard your personal information so you do not end up funding holiday celebrations for someone else.
At this time of year, all of us have a thousand things on our minds at any given time. As you are wracking your brain to remember what type of perfume Aunt Maranda prefers, the type of tie to buy for Uncle Pete, and whether Molly or Deema is your grandchild’s favorite Bubble Guppy, do not forget to practice safe shopping.
Do not make yourself an easy target.
Strive to keep from being a target at all.
Mike Parker is a columnist for The Free Press. You can reach him at mparker16@suddenlink.netor in care of this newspaper.