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Last year, I had a scary situation when I was out and about doing some holiday shopping. As I left out of a store, I noticed a family of three headed to a fast-food restaurant nearby. They were on foot, and it was somewhat late in the evening. Anyway, I proceeded to my car, got in, and cranked up the engine, and three minutes later, someone knocked on my window. I was immediately startled and jumped because I did not notice anyone close to my vehicle upon entry. So I rolled down the window, and the person knocking on my window happened to be one of the people I saw walking when leaving the store. It was a lady, and she asked me for some money. She stated that she and her family stayed in a nearby hotel and didn’t have money for food. Although I had many questions to ask her, I didn’t. Instead, I gave her a couple of dollars. After giving her the money, I noticed that she wasn’t alone but had a man standing off to the side in front of my vehicle, and I also didn’t see that a third person, a child was also present. Luckily my husband was there with me as he had been waiting in the car while I went shopping in the store. Reminiscing over this, I still get chills because I had no idea that they (the lady and man with the child) followed me to my car even though I consider myself very observant. I caution that you are careful when shopping, especially at night. If my husband had not been with me, there’s no telling what could have happened.

Here are a few tips that I want to leave you with as you shop this holiday season.

When Shopping

Be observant. As you walk from one place to another, pay attention to your surroundings. Be wary of people exhibiting strange behaviors—IE (Individuals snooping in the parking lot, people walking slowly towards you with their hands behind their back, etc.) 

Be alert. Limit distractions. Avoid talking and texting on your phone when going and coming out of stores.

Stay Ready. Have your keys in your hands as you head to your car so that you will be ready to unlock and open the door. 

Hide your valuables. Do not leave your personal belongings out in the open. Put away all of your valuables (electronics, bags, eyewear, gifts, shopping bags, etc.) in a safe place in your car, like your trunk, glove compartment, or middle console.

Shop during daylight hours.  Avoid shopping a night. If you have to shop at night, park your car in a well-lit area.

Never carry large amounts of cash with you.

Buddy System. Tell someone where you are going if you are shopping alone.

Avoid wearing flashy jewelry and clothing.