Safety tips for shoppers from the Hartsville police department

Tim Kemp, Hartsville Police Chief
Published: November 19, 2008

‘Tis the season to be jolly is approaching fast. Unfortunately, ‘tis the season when thieves may be lurking in hopes of getting their gifts dishonestly, especially with our current economy. Too often the police are called once victims have already been victimized. I’m hoping to help you avoid loss and inconvenience by offering the following safety tips that are especially helpful at this time of the year:

Do not shop or travel alone; there is safety in numbers and you become a less vulnerable target.

Park in well lighted areas. Be aware of your surroundings when entering and exiting stores. Watch for people approaching from all sides. If you see someone who looks suspicious, wait until someone else can walk out with you or watch you as you go to your vehicle.

Fanny pouches that strap around your waist are handy for shoppers instead of carrying a purse. This helps eliminate the chance of your purse being snatched and leaves your hands free. A purse can disappear from a shopping cart in a split second if left unattended. When paying for purchases, avoid displaying large sums of money, which is the best way to encourage thieves.

Don’t wear an excessive amount of jewelry when you shop or travel. Jewelry is expensive and easily taken if you’re a victim of a robbery.

During and after shopping, do not leave packages or other valuables inside your vehicle where they can be seen. Lock them in the trunk of your vehicle.

Be safety conscious when making deposits or withdrawing money from ATMs. Choose a well-lighted one that is not too isolated.

If you have small children and they accompany you while shopping, do not allow them to wander off. Child abductions are not limited to larger cities, and can happen in your hometown.

Report any suspicious or criminal activity to your local police department. Call 911 immediately if you are the victim of a crime. The chances of a crime being solved are much greater if police are promptly notified.

At the Hartsville Police Department, we sincerely hope each of you have safe and happy holidays.

For additional information, contact us at http://www.hartsvillesc.com or stop by the Hartsville Police Department.