With Thanksgiving festivities soon underway and Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa right around the corner, it makes sense that we’re in throes of holiday shopping and the travel season.  While we often get caught up in all the festivities this time of year brings, it’s easy to become lax when it comes to safety and unfortunately, this is the time of year when it pays to be vigilant – in 2006, motor vehicle thefts in the United States totaled 1,192,809, while according to the Texas Department of Transportation, every two and a half minutes a vehicle is broken into and the contents stolen. 

Some common items usually left in full view are:

• Purses, tote bags, briefcases and luggage
• Electronic devices including cell phones, laptops, headphones and MP3 players
• Gym bags
• Sunglasses
• Jewelry & Watches
• Personal papers
• Golf clubs and Sporting gear
• Keys
• Packages & Shopping bags
• CDs
• Books
• Framed Art & Prints

Don’t become a statistic. The best way to keep safe is to be aware of your surroundings and avoid situations which could become potentially dangerous. The following list contains ways to keep safe this holiday season:

Parking Lot Safety

1. Make certain vehicle doors are locked when you exit the vehicle.
2. Try to shop during daylight hours.
3. Hide or remove your valuables when leaving your vehicle.
4. Never leave your purse on the seat beside you – even when you’re driving.  Leaving a purse on the seat in full view is an open invitation for thieves as they walk next to your vehicle in a parking area or when they’re walking on the sidewalk when the vehicle is stopped at a stop light, stop sign or moving in slow traffic.  The same goes for bags, boxes and other things you might toss on the seat next to you.  Move them to the floor of the passenger side if you can’t place them in your trunk.
5. Place bags and boxes inside your trunk.
6. Keep your doors locked – even when driving.
7. Try to park as close to the entrance as possible, especially if you think it will be dark when you return to your vehicle.
8. During evening hours, try to park under a street light or parking light.
9. Note your surroundings before exiting the vehicle and upon your return.
10. When returning to your vehicle, have your keys in hand and at the ready.
11. When approaching your vehicle, make certain no one is hiding inside by looking into the windows.
12. Lock your doors immediately after you’re in the vehicle – before you even turn the engine over.
13. If someone approaches you, flash your lights and honk the horn to get attention from others who may be in the vicinity.
14. Don’t enter a dark parking lot or parking garage alone. If there is security on duty, ask to be escorted to your vehicle.  If not, plan your exit with a group or another person.
15. Don’t park next to large cargo vans, trucks with camper shells or vehicles with tinted windows.
16. If you’re dining in a restaurant, try to be seated near a window where you have a view of your vehicle.
17. Carry your purse close to your body or strapped across your chest.
18. Don’t let a ringing cell phone distract you as you are returning to your vehicle – you can return the call later.  The same goes for talking on your cell phone as you are returning to your vehicle; a cell phone may distract you from noticing signs of trouble.
19. If you believe you are being followed, change direction immediately and walk to a well-lit area which includes people.
20. Teach children to enter and exit the vehicle quickly and safely.
21. If possible, try to shop with a friend or family member.
22. Remember where you parked your vehicle.  Roaming a parking lot - especially at night - trying to find the aisle where you parked your vehicle is a danger waiting to happen.
23. Try to leave the most expensive purchases for last – this way you’re done for the day and be on your way home without having to tote them around in your vehicle all day.
24. Don’t be a victim – scream, call-out or yell for help.
25. Never approach situations in which you do not feel safe.  Listen to your instincts and if something seems strange, uncomfortable or odd, chances are it is.

Tags: Advice, General //