Canton Public Safety Department recently issued the following announcement.
The holiday shopping season is upon us and individuals with ill intent are lurking among us. Shopping safety is as much about personal safety as it is about securing your purchases. Criminals will look for crimes of opportunity and will take advantage of easy targets. By following some simple rules, you can help reduce your risk of being a victim of a crime:
• Shop with a friend - Use the buddy system when shopping and stay alert! Awareness is key to staying safe. Reduce distractions and avoid using your cell phone while walking in parking lots.
• Always watch your purse and make sure its contents, especially wallets, are not visible or accessible to others. Thieves are looking for wallets to steal from purses when their owners are not paying attention, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PURSE UNATTENDED IN YOUR SHOPPING CART!!!
• Limit the amount of cash, credit cards, and other valuables that you carry with you to minimize potential loss, if you were to lose your wallet.
• Do not overload yourself with packages, keep one hand free so you can handle your keys safely and open doors easily
• Do not leave large or expensive purchases in view within your vehicle.
• Be alert, call 911 if you see something suspicious
Have your cell phone handy in case of an emergency, most crimes are crimes of opportunity. Do not allow yourself to be an easy target!
Original source can be found here.