Protecting Your Gifts While on a Holiday-Shopping Trip

You get up at 4 a.m. on Friday morning so you can be the first in line to get that new video game system your kids just have to have. It's that time of year again. Millions of people will be out shopping themselves to death to get that all important gift. While you are trying so hard to get that gift, what are you doing to protect it. Every year property crime rises at this time of year. People go out shopping and so do the criminals. The difference is that you worked hard to make the money you spend on your gifts while they are just getting into your car and taking it away from you. If you follow some simple steps, you can greatly reduce the chances that a criminal will get their greedy hands on your stuff.

Prior to leaving

When you leave to go shopping be prepared. First thing is to have a spare car key on your person. You can hide it anywhere. Women, you use your bra to put spare cash in, place the key in there. A shoe is also a good hiding place. This will not prevent a thief from stealing, but it will help you if you lock your keys in your car. As a police officer, I am constantly called to a shopping center because someone locked their keys in their car. This will also serve another purpose which I will explain in a moment. Go with a shopping partner. There is safety in numbers and if you forget one of these safety tips your partner can remind you.

Arrival