Shoppers can avoid being the victim of theft with a few simple tips from Danville Police Department.
As shoppers rush out to finish their holiday shopping, the Danville Police Department would like to make sure festive days aren’t ruined by opportunity theft. They are reminding last-minute shoppers about tips on keeping your belongings safe during the last days of holiday shopping – and beyond. Keeping your valuables secure is as simple as “Do This... Not That.”
Do This:
- Wear your personal items: Keep your purse, wallet, or backpack on you rather than placing them in a shopping cart.
- Stay Close to Your Cart: Avoid walking away from your shopping cart if you do have your bag there, even for a brief moment.
- Be Cautious Unloading: Exercise caution when unloading your cart, and keep an eye on your belongings to prevent theft.
- Consider a Carabiner: Purchase a carabiner and use it to secure your bag to the bars of your shopping cart for an extra layer of security.
- Travel Light: Consider leaving your bag at home or in a locked and concealed portion of your car while you shop.
Not That:
- Leaving Items Unattended: Don’t leave your purse or wallet unattended, even for a short period. Thieves may take advantage of distracted moments.
- Easy Access for Thieves: Avoid making it easy for thieves by leaving your purse in an easily accessible location or walking away without securing it.
- Ignoring Cart Security: Don’t assume your belongings are safe in a shopping cart without taking precautions. Always be mindful of your surroundings.
- Overlooking Identity Theft Risks: Don’t underestimate the risk of identity theft. Secure your personal items to reduce the chance of unauthorized access to your information.
A wallet stolen out of a purse or bag may not be noticed until the thief is well away from the store, so taking extra precautions while shopping will help the community avoid theft of opportunity and a potentially ruined holiday.