Since holiday season is upon us, so is holiday shopping and the Albuquerque Police Northeast Command has a few tips as well as State Farm Insurance on how to stay safe. With crowds, crazy Black Friday shoppers, parking lot thieves and cyber scammers, it is more imperative than ever to know how to stay protected.
- Park in well-lit areas and be patient when looking for a parking space. Don’t speed up to catch that empty (or soon-to-be empty) spot and be cautious of other drivers who do. Look for other cars or people, and back out slowly.
- Stay alert. Scan your surroundings, and don’t overload yourself with bags or purses.
- Don’t be too distracted by your cell phone.
- Have your car keys ready and return to the store for help if someone suspicious is lingering in the parking lot. Look around and under your vehicle before approaching it.
- Lock your car doors and do not leave valuable items in plain view, and in your trunk if possible.
- Don’t leave your unattended vehicle running, not even briefly.
Other holidays tips from State Farm Insurance includes how to deal with crazy black Friday shoppers to identity theft and more:
- Stick to retailers you know and have shopped with before.
- Keep your purse close to your body or your wallet in an inside coat pocket or front pants pocket. Using over shoulder purses instead of handheld
- Don’t argue or fight over an item.
- Don’t take your money out until asked and don’t flash a lot of cash.
- Use only one credit card. Data breaches have occurred in the past at major retailers and credit card companies. Should something similar occur, you can reduce the risk of having multiple cards compromised.
- Save your receipts and monitor your credit card activity by reviewing your bill immediately or periodically checking the online app.
- Ask for help moving and loading large items if needed.
- If shopping with children, select a central location to meet in case you are separated. Teach kids how to ask a security guard or employee for help if they’re lost.
Contact police to report crimes or suspicious behavior. You can contact police or file a report in any of these ways:
- 911
- 242-COPS (2677)
- https://www.cabq.gov/police/file-a-police-report-online
