Safety Tips for Holiday Shoppers

With Black Friday and the holiday shopping season right around the corner, the Las Cruces Police Department is reminding customers of basic tips that can help keep them safe this time of year.

Shopping safety tips include:

• Shop with a friend. You are less vulnerable when shopping as a couple or a small group.
• Do not leave personal electronics, tools, valuables, merchandise or wrapped gifts visible inside a vehicle or in the bed of a pickup. Conceal those items in a trunk or take them home before continuing to shop.
• Avoid placing merchandise in your vehicle and then heading back into a store to continue shopping. Suspicious eyes are watching and may be tempted by what’s left in your vehicle. At a minimum, park in another lot before continuing to shop.
• Roll up windows and lock doors when leaving your vehicle unattended.
• Never leave children or pets alone in a parked vehicle.
• Never leave a vehicle running and unattended.
• Do not allow young children to shop or wander alone in stores.
• Avoid setting a purse, cell phone and other personal property in a shopping cart.
• Carry a purse close to your body or consider carrying only a wallet in a front pocket.
• Carry keys in a pocket or inside your purse.
• When possible, pay for items with a credit or debit card, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash while shopping.
• Do not overburden yourself by carrying too many bags or packages at one time – especially in darkened parking lots.
• Have automobile keys ready and in-hand prior to leaving the store.
• If shopping after dark, park in a well-lighted area near the storefront.
• Another good parking option is near the shopping cart return “corral,” so you can unload merchandise and return the cart without straying too far from your vehicle.
• Do not hesitate to ask store security for an escort to your vehicle.
• Always be aware of your surroundings.
• Stay alert. Refrain from being distracted by your cell phone or other electronic devices.

Immediately call police if you notice suspicious activity or feel your safety is in danger.