Be On The Safe Side
Don’t become a victim on holidays!
Soon there will be a chill in the air, bells will be ringing ,and we will all be running around like crazy getting ready for the holidays. No matter if you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or do your own thing we are all busy, busy people tend to be careless people, and careless people are just waiting to be a victim of “Crimes of Opportunity” What is that? Well there are three main types of crimes: Crime of Passion, Crime of Hate, and Crime of Opportunity. You can pretty much figure out what the first two are. Unless you have made an ex-lover or someone else really mad, you are most likely to become the victim of a “Crime of Opportunity” It is just like it sounds, the bad guy sees an opportunity and grabs it. So before you start your “Holiday To Do” list, read my “Holiday Must Do” list to avoid being a victim of a Crime of Opportunity:
“Holiday Must Do” list
° First off all, ladies PLEASE do not put your purse in the baby seat of the shopping cart then turn your back to it while you compare prices or look at the contents of what ever you are buying. By the time you realize your purse is gone, the bad guy not only has whatever cash you had, but your credit cards, your car keys and knows where you live. ALWAYS keep your purse over your shoulder, preferably across your chest. I know this is not the fashion statement that you want to make, but it is the safest way. And gentlemen, a good pick pocket can relieve you of the wallet you put in your back pack. In a crowded mall, the best thing is to wear a money belt under your clothes or put your cash and credit card in the inside pocket of your jacket.
° If you plan to buy a lot at one mall, do not make several trips to your car to drop off packages. If you must unload, bring a blanket to throw over the packages to conceal them. When you are walking through a parking lot have your hands full of packages you are very venerable. Go with a family member or a friend…it is more fun that say and,as they say, there is safety in numbers.
° You might start your shopping venture in day light, but remember as the year goes on, night comes earlier and earlier. Make sure you park under or very near good lighting.
° Always look to see who is around you when you are going to your vehicle. If someone looks out of place, return to the store and alert security…that is what they are there for.
° When you are returning to your car PLEASE have your keys in hand. (They can be used as a weapon if necessary)The man or woman who is fumbling around is an easy target. .
° When you are shopping don’t wear a bunch of expensive looking jewelry or flash a lot of cash…that is like saying, “Hey I am rich, rob me!” Take only one credit card and as little cash as possible.
° I you should be the victim, let the bad guy have the packages or purse, they can be replaced-you can’t. Even though you are scared try to remember what the guy looks like-the color of his hair, eyes, height, weight, what he was wearing and the direction of travel he took. The more detail you can provide the police the better. That said, keep your cell phone in your pocket that way you can call 911 right away.
What about at home?
° Having wrapped presents under the tree is exciting, true. Just make sure they are where anyone who looks into your window can’t see them…talk about a crime of opportunity.
° If you are giving a gift with a serial number, record it and keep it in a safe place. This increases your chances of getting the merchandise back.
° Going “Over the river and through the woods” to visit family or friends? Great! Just make sure your house or apartment looks occupied. Place lights and a radio on a timer, stop mail and newspaper delivery, or better yet hire a house sitter. The one room that can be occupied 24/7 is the BATHROOM. If your bathroom has a window, how about putting a lamp on a timer? That way any bad guy that may be checking your house or apartment out won’t know if our are coming or going.
° Got a party or two planned? Offer plenty of food, but you know there are still a few that will allow themselves to be “over served” Please make sure you have a designated drivers available or make arrangements with a cab company so your guest can get home safely..
° This time of year candles can be lovely, not to mention romantic. Please take care with pets or small children. Don’t forget to have your furnace and fire placed clean before the weather gets cold…carbon monoxide is a sneaky killer.
Yep, the holidays are a busy and fun time. Time for family and friends, good food and wine, and just a touch of common sense.
All of us a Confadate wish you and yours a Happy and Safe Holiday season, and look forward to serving you in 2009.
About the author:
Sandy is as retired police detective and certified fire fighter. She is now is a licensed private investigator specializing in safety training for men and women.
If you have any questions or wish to make a comment, please contact her at Confadate.
Sandy Glover, President
Gold Shield Legal Investigations, Inc.
67 Kent Drive
Ormond Beach, Florida 32176
386.295.6558
NALI,FALI,FAPI,NCISS
Creator of www.Confadate.com