Most of what we need to do to stay secure any time of the year is based in common sense. However, it is all too easy to become complacent (and you all know what we say about complacency,) and allow things to slip. Take an extra moment or two, and just be aware.
1) Don't leave items in your vehicle. This is one of the most basic and often repeated bits of advice out there. Police encourage people every year to remove items from their vehicles, and yet vehicular break ins are on the rise. As you shop, plan extra time to take things home or to a secure location for safe storage. It might aggravate you, but it will potentially save stress, heartbreak, damage and dealing with police and insurance companies.
2) Don't get separated from your kids! It is too easy for someone to target a small child and vanish with them. Keep the little ones close at all times. It amazes me how there are some folks who allow their toddlers to roam freely in crowded public places. It scares me to think of that innocent little one being swept away, and just how easy it would be for someone to walk off with a tot.
3) Keep your head on a swivel! Actively look around and look AT people. This does not mean you have to shoot everyone the Evil Eye. It means you need to take note of those around you. Pay attention to details. Put down your electronic gadget. Whatever you are doing can wait until later, I promise.
4) Listen to your gut! If, during your looking around, something *feels* wrong, it probably IS wrong. Listen to that inner voice, and make a change. Change direction, change destination, move closer to an exit- but LISTEN.
5) Watch for people who are moving into you. That slight bump, the seemingly innocent point of contact, those are liable to be not-so-innocent and result in you coming up short in the wallet or package department.
6) Know multiple exit points. As you enter a building, take a moment to look and identify exits. Being able to slip out a side door might come in handy, should someone in the crowd around you slip into madness.
7) Stop "checking in" on social media! Why would you do this? Why give someone extra information that they could potentially use against you? Don't argue about the alleged "security" of these social media sites, because there is none. If you don't want information known, then simply don't share it. Living in a delusional bubble, thinking no one will ever use information against you is downright foolish. No, not everyone is out to get you. But there are some who sure won't hesitate to make you an easy mark. Don't give them the upper hand.
8) Don't advertise your travel plans! Again, why would you advertise your plans to the entire world? By stating travel plans on the interwebz, you are essentially hanging a sign over your home, saying, "It's empty! Come get what you want!" Refer to number 7 as well, please.
9) Have a trust worthy neighbor collect your mail. A full mailbox is also an indicator of an empty abode. By having someone you trust collect your mail daily, or by having it held at the post office, you reduce the advertisement of an empty residence.
10) Get timers for lights. Having your lights go on and off at random times, as they would when you are home, can also help deter a break in. Having a neighbor park a car in your driveway, and move it around is also worth considering. Or, have someone actually house sit. Again- do yourself (and your potential house sitter) a favor, and don't advertise that you won't be home.
I get that posting pictures of your cool stuff, selfies of where you are, and sharing every thought that goes through people's heads is considered the norm now. Just because everyone else does it, does not mean it's a great idea. Like my Great Grandfather used to say, "If all your pals jumped off a cliff, does that mean you need to do it as well?"
Think about it y'all. Stay aware, keep tabs on your kids, and don't over-share your plans. Know how to get out if something does happen as you are shopping.
Stay safe out there, folks.
Shannon
