CHILLICOTHE — With very little on the schedule in terms of local entertainment options this weekend, area residents can turn their full focus to getting that holiday shopping finished.
That means plenty of people will be out and about downtown and along Bridge Street and Western Avenue heading to the plethora of shopping destinations to make those final holiday purchases. It also means plenty of reasons to be extra vigilant both behind the wheel and in and around the stores.
Southern Ohio Crime Stoppers is offering several suggestions to make sure your final holiday shopping weekends are safe and productive:
• Try to go shopping with someone. You’re safer when not alone.
• Always park your car in a well-lit area and remember where you parked it.
• When you return to your vehicle, scan the interior of your car to be sure no one is hiding inside. Check to see if you are being followed.
• If you can, carry a flashlight and whistle on your key chain and have the whistle ready to use on the way to your car. Use the flashlight if you think you see someone. Don’t be afraid to scream.
• Have your keys in hand when approaching your vehicle. You will be ready to unlock the door and will not be delayed by fumbling and looking for your keys.
• When storing items purchased at the stores, place them out of sight. The best place is in a locked trunk. If you are doing a lot of shopping, go home and unload your items and then go back out to finish shopping.
• Hide your personal and expensive items. Do not leave your purse, wallet, or cellphone in plain view.
• Don’t resist if someone tries to take any of your belongings. Don’t chase someone who robs you, they might have a weapon. Instead, call 911.
• Lock all of your doors as soon as you get in your car in case someone is behind you and ready to get in your car.
• Try to go to the bank itself if you need to get money. It is best to use a debit card so you don’t need to get cash. If you have go to an ATM for cash, check for people around and make sure it is well lit and in a safe location.
• Carry only the credit cards you need and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• Carry a small purse with a shoulder harness and place around your shoulders under your coat.
• If you make a purchase with your credit card and carbon copies are used, be sure to obtain the carbons or see that they are destroyed in front of you.
• Be prepared if you are shopping with your children. Place a note with each small child with their name, your name, and cellphone number. Always have a central meeting place in case someone gets separated from you. Make sure they know about talking to or taking things from strangers.
• Beware of the “good deal” scams. Things are not always what they appear to be.
• If you are purchasing toys for small children, be sure they are safe. You will be surprised what a small child can swallow or what can injure them.
• Drive defensively. Traffic is heavier during the holidays. Drivers might also have indulged in too much holiday spirits.
Pam McMurray volunteers for Southern Ohio Crime Stoppers and is a past employee of the Ross County Sheriff’s Department as TRIAD Assistant. She worked with elderly programs and crimes for a decade. She was administrator for the RUOK Program and founder and administrator of Senior Cool Down.
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