The holiday season is in full swing across the country. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years keep everyone hopping for the next few months. The holiday activities that we all participate in help make beautiful memories for you and your loved ones. Along with the hustle and bustle there are a few negative things that also increase during this beloved season. Kidnapping, theft, identity theft, and fraud all happen more the last quarter of the year. Frequently these things happen while you are out shopping. Today Advanced Private Investigator and Security of Miami, FL has some tips for you on how to stay safe during holiday shopping.

How to Stay Safe when Shopping

During the holidays many stores stay open later to allow shoppers more time to get all of their shopping done for Christmas. The downside to this is that when you shop later in the evening you are going to be more tired. When you are tired you are not on full alert. Criminals are well aware that many shoppers headed out to their car at night are not paying as much attention as they might during another time of the day. They will use this information to their advantage and use this time to steal packages and purses out of your arms, car keys and more.
You can prevent becoming the victim of theft in the parking lot by making sure that when you go into the parking lot you have your keys in your hand before you leave the inside of the store. It is also beneficial not to shop alone. A group of shoppers is much less likely to be attacked in the parking lot than a shopping that is by themselves. You may also consider having an employee walk you out to your car if possible.

How to Prevent Kidnapping & Child Abduction

While you are out shopping you will also want to make sure that you keep your kids safe. With all of the toys and shiny decorations out in the stores during the holidays, your child may want to wander off to go and look at them. When they wander off they run the risk of being kidnapped. Kidnappers count on the fact that parents are going to be busy doing their shopping and will not notice their kids being taken. Talk to your kids before you go to the store and let them know how important it is to stay next to you. You will also want to teach them what to do if someone does try and kidnap them. Kids that kick, scream, and fight are much harder to successfully kidnap.

How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft & Fraud

We have a few tips in this area as well. Many people do an increased amount of online shopping for Christmas. Make sure that you shop from trusted retailers. Do not give your personal information out online or over the phone unless you know and trust the person you are talking to.

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If you take all of these steps you should be able to enjoy a magical holiday season! If you find yourself the victim of kidnapping, theft, fraud, or identity theft, Advanced Private Investigator & Security of Miami, FL can help you out.