The holiday season is in full swing. Only a few short weeks left for shopping for those that relish in festivities of giving and hosting parties and activities. Unfortunately there are many circumstances that can make you a target for a crime during this season of love and kindness. With that in mind, we at Advanced Private Investigator & Security of Miami FL would like to share some tips on how you can increase safety.
How to Stay Safe When Shopping
1) Have your car keys ready to unlock your door and jump in! Whether you are leaving a store, home, or work have your car keys ready before hand. Avoid searching for them once you reach your vehicle. Same for approaching your home or work, be sure to have the keys ready to unlock the door without being exposed for too long in the open.
2) Do not set the shopping bags next to you. This is in conjuncture with the having the keys ready. Many people will set the shopping bags down as they situate themselves to get into the car or home. Being ready will help ensure your treasures are loaded before an opportunity to snatch it occurs.
3) Ask for a security escort. If you’re leaving a mall or building after dark, you can ask for a security escort. Security officers do not mind escorting people to their vehicles, especially when they have expensive merchandise, most are even delighted.
4) Lock the doors as soon as you are seated in your car. Once you are in the safety of your vehicle, ensure all the doors are locked before anything else. Once you are secure, buckle the safety belt, start the car, adjust the heat settings and radio. Lurkers are waiting for an opportunity to pounce; not giving them a window keeps you from being a victim.
5) Keep shopping purchases hidden. As you go from store to store, be sure the purchases are kept from view; lock them in the trunk, under seats or cover them with a blanket in a discrete fashion. A lot of automobile break-ins are victims of opportunity. Keep expensive items out of plain view to avoid the enticement.
6) Choose well lit parking areas. With the dark coming earlier in the day, keeping your vehicle parked in well lit areas can help minimize potential problems. Darker areas give lurkers a place to conceal themselves before they strike, and most do not want witnesses.
7) Do not leave your running car. In the hustle and bustle, some forget that not everyone is spreading good cheer. In the moment where you think you can leave the car running unattended, even for a moment, is when someone else speeds off your car.
8) Apply the buddy system. Assailants look for easy targets. People in a group or at least with one other companion are less likely to be victimized. Those alone are often singled out.
9) Open awareness. Pay attention to emergency exits, stairwells, elevators, entrances, security guards and all the in between to the stores and malls you visit. Don’t focus on the phone as you walk to and fro. Knowing a setup will give you a better chance of responding if you are mugged.
10) Be aware of the people around you. Pay more attention to the people around you. Watch for quick abnormal movements. Close crowds will give pick-pockets fair opportunity. Keep your wallet, purse, keys, and personal items close and pay attention to your possessions.
Private Investigator & Security Services in Greater Miami, Sunny Isles, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton & Miami Gardens Florida
Advanced Private Investigator & Security of Miami FL hopes this helps you get through the holidays without incident. If you are in need of any of our services, call us and let us help you.
