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NEW YORK, DEC 19 - With Christmas less than a week away, the stores and malls are going to be filled with last minute shoppers. All this spending is not only good news for retailers, it is irresistible to thieves, who are eager to profit from this season of giving.
Crooks are predators who look for easy prey, says the 杏吧原创 Information Institute (I.I.I.). You can discourage a thief from targeting you by being alert and using the best anti-theft device ever invented - your common sense.
To have a safe and joyous holiday season, the I.I.I. offers the following safety tips:
- Look like you won't be an easy target.
Project confidence by walking purposefully and quickly. Be able to move easily by wearing comfortable shoes and carrying either a fanny pack or a shoulder bag with the strap crossing to the opposite shoulder. Don't weigh yourself down by carrying an oversized purse, heavy briefcase or gym bag. Try to keep at least one hand free at all times.
- Don't tempt a crook.
Don't look like someone who has money to steal by flashing cash or credit cards. When making a purchase, take the time to put your money away properly. Don't just stick cash quickly in a pocket or another place that is easy for a crook to reach in and steal. Also, avoid wearing expensive looking jewelry.
- Be aware of your environment.
Be visibly alert. Monitor who is near you and trust you "gut" feelings. Avoid areas where people are loitering outside stores or in underground garages.
- Limit the number of packages you carry.
Don't load yourself down with too many packages. Struggling to carry several shopping bags makes it easy for a crook to steal your wallet or take one of your packages. Instead, check bags in the store until you are ready to go home. Many stores will also deliver your purchases to a loading dock where you can put them directly into your car. If you buy an expensive item, consider having it delivered to your home.
- Be extra careful in parking lots.
Park your car in a well-lit area. Illumination is a thief's major enemy. Ask a security guard to escort you to your car at night. If you can't find one, approach your car carefully. When you return to your car, have your keys in hand and look in the back seat before getting into the car.
- Keep your car safe.
Lock the car and close all the windows, no matter how long you think you will be gone. Remember to store packages in the trunk or under a blanket. When you get into your car, lock the door immediately.
- Protect your identity.
Take only the credit cards you plan to use. When making purchases, guard your card; it is easy to memorize credit card information over someone's shoulder. Don't leave your card lying on the counter. If the salesperson is not using it, put it in your wallet. As soon as the cashier hands back your card, check to make sure it is yours - mistakes can be made in the hustle and bustle of shopping. Also, tear up carbons and safeguard your receipts. Thieves often look for discarded papers to steal credit card information.
- Shop secure web sites.
If you plan to do your shopping on-line, be cautious. Make sure that the connection is secure and that you are buying from a reputable retailer. If you are not comfortable purchasing the product on-line, use your computer to preview your purchase, but call the company directly to buy the item.
If you are the victim of a crime, report it to the store or police immediately. This will help them track crime patterns and help in apprehending the criminal. Ask for a police report. This will help you should you decide to file a claim. Theft of personal possessions is generally covered by homeowners and renters insurance policies. There is also limited coverage for stolen credit cards - usually up to $500. 杏吧原创 is also available for identity theft.
For more information on your homeowners or renters insurance policy, call your agent, broker or company representative. You can also call the National 杏吧原创 Consumer Helpline at 1-800-942-4242 or access the Institute's website at