The holiday season is here and shoppers are crowding malls and discount stores to buy the latest gadgets and find the best deals.

But what shoppers are neglecting is their safety. According to Sheriff White, this time of year attracts more shopping-related criminal activity because of larger crowds and extended store hours. These factors, and the unusual distraction of shopping, creates a more favorable environment for petty thieves and other offenders.

The Sheriff reminds all Vance County residents to follow these safety tips:

Shopping Safety

• A single shopper is the best target for theft. Always shop with a friend or relative.
• When going shopping, tell someone where you are going and what time to expect you to return. Also, make sure they know what you are wearing, as well as the type of vehicle you are driving.
• Shop during daylight hours. If you shop at night, park your vehicle in a well-lit area.
• Dress casually and comfortably and avoid wearing expensive jewelry. If carrying cash, keep it in your front pocket rather than your purse or wallet. This makes it much more difficult for a pick-pocket to remove. Also store car keys in a pants or jacket pocket. If your purse is stolen, you will still be able to drive.
• Pay careful attention to your surroundings and avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
• When returning to your vehicle, check around it and in the back seat. Be aware of strangers approaching you for any reason. Have your keys in your hand to avoid spending unnecessary time unprotected from the security of your vehicle.
• If you feel uneasy returning to your vehicle alone, find a security guard and ask them to walk you to your car.

According to Sheriff White, during this time of year, busy holiday shoppers become careless and vulnerable to other crimes as well. Credit card fraud and gift card fraud are on the rise. However, taking a few preventive measures can help.

Credit Card Fraud

• Keep a close watch on your credit card every time you use it, and make sure you get it back as quickly as possible.
• Never write your pin number on your credit card.
• Never leave your credit card receipts lying around.
• Shield your credit card number so that others around you can’t copy it or capture it on a mobile phone or other camera.
• Only carry credit cards that you absolutely need.
• Shred anything with your credit card number on it.
• If you’re planning to purchase online, make sure the web page where you enter your credit card information is secure through SSL (Secure Socket Layer). You can tell if the web page is secure by looking for the gold lock or key icon at the bottom corner of your browser window.
• If you’re not comfortable submitting your information through the internet, call the seller and give them your information over the phone. Never send your credit card information via email.
• Check the company out. Only do business with companies that provide a physical address and phone number.
• Lastly, keep good records. Always print out a copy of any online products or services you purchase.

For more information contact the Vance County Sheriff’s Office at 252-738-2200.