WILLIAMSBURG — Now that the turkey has digested, the holiday shopping traffic is in full swing, and the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office is urging everyone to be safe this holiday shopping season.
York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office Deputy Kevin Taylor, who is a certified Law Enforcement Practitioner and Crime Prevention Specialist, recently sat down with WYDaily to discuss the do’s and don’ts of holiday shopping safety.
According to Taylor, holiday shopping safety starts before even leaving the house.
“Make sure that your phone is fully charged, you have a full tank of gas, and that someone knows where you are going and when to expect you back,” Taylor said.
Taylor also noted the importance of turning on exterior lights prior to leaving.
When arriving at your shopping destination, plan parking accordingly.
“Don’t just take the first spot you see. Consider that you may be entering a store in the daylight hours and leaving when it’s dark. Don’t just take the spot at the other end of the parking lot. Park strategically,” Taylor says.
Be sure to lock vehicle doors and don’t leave anything in plain sight. As you walk through the parking lot, keep your head on a swivel.
“Walk with confidence. Keep your head up and shoulders back. Look around at your surroundings. Don’t be afraid to make eye contact with someone to let them know that you see them,” Taylor said.
While shopping, especially if using a shopping cart, be sure to keep your purse or wallet on your person. When heading to the checkout, make sure there are no “shoulder surfers.”
“If you are using an electronic form of payment, make sure that nobody is looking over your shoulder as you enter your PIN,” Taylor says.
If you feel unsafe leaving the store, ask an employee or security guard to walk you back to your vehicle. When placing items inside your vehicle, stand at a 45-degree angle and keep alert to what is going on in the parking lot around you.
If you are heading to another shopping destination and you have gifts in the car, take precautions.
“Keep presents hidden and out of plain sight. Secure presents in your trunk, lock your car doors, and cover presents with blankets if you can,” Taylor said.
Once home from shopping, be sure to bring in all valuables from your vehicle.
“Remove all valuables from inside your vehicle. Lock your car doors and your exterior doors on your home,” Taylor said.
After the excitement of opening gifts, be smart about your trash.
“There is nothing burglars love more than seeing all the boxes of the expensive items you received during the holidays. Break down boxes, tear them apart, and do your best not to advertise the new gadgets that you have in your home,” Taylor said.
Overall, Taylor says it’s all about trusting your gut.
“Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, that is your body’s way of telling you that something isn’t right. Trust it.”
