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Author: Jeff Luther
Posted: Dec 6, 2009 at 1:12 PM
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Sheriff Announcements
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- BE ALERT and aware of your surroundings
- Dress casually and comfortably
- Avoid wearing expensive jewelry
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
- Always carry your identification, along with necessary cash only, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use
- Carry your valuables wisely. Keep your cash in an inside pocket and only carry the credit card(s) you’ll need that day.
- Do not leave valuables (cash, coins, mp3 players, cell phones, gps navigators) in your vehicle. Keep them out of sight.
- Keep your car doors locked, all the time
- Don’t overload yourself with packages. Shop one end of the mall, take your packages to your vehicle, stow them out of sight, and then move your vehicle to another location at the other end of the mall. Keep the receipts with you.
- Ladies, carry your purse close to you, with the opening or flap towards your body. Better yet, leave the purse home and just carry your identification, credit card and a small amount of cash in your front pocket. NEVER leave a purse unattended in a shopping cart or dressing room.
- Gentlemen, carry your wallet in a breast pocket of your jacket or front pocket of your pants. Rear pants pockets are too easy to pick!
- Whenever possible, park and walk in well-lit areas. Even in daylight hours, you may want to park near a light pole so that if you happen to leave when it is darker, your car will be in a well-lit location. Be aware of the people around you.
- If you feel nervous about getting to your vehicle, ask store or mall personnel for an escort
- Have your car key ready in your hand prior to leaving the store so you are not fumbling through your purse or pocket with your head down.
- Look around, under and in your vehicle, especially the back seat, before you get in.
- If you must use an ATM, locate one that is inside the store or mall or other well-lighted location
ATM safety tips:
- Never approach an ATM if suspicious persons are nearby
- Never approach an ATM if you have any doubts or fear about your safety
- Protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you
- Take the ATM receipt with you
- Never count your money at the ATM or leave your wallet or cash exposed
- Do not leave your keys in the ignition or your vehicle running if you must use a walk-up ATM
- Always keep your doors locked when using a drive-up ATM
After the holidays, don’t announce your new high-dollar purchases or gifts. Break down the boxes for TVs, stereos, computers, etc. and turn them inside out before putting them in the trash... or take the cardboard to a recycling bin
If you are shopping with children:
- Teach them to stay with you at all times
- They should always check with you or the person in charge before they go anywhere
- Make a plan in case you become separated
Have older kids meet you in a pre-designated spot (the sales counter or mall information booth, for example)
Older kids should check in with you regularly
Teach younger kids to look for people who can help within the store or mall (a uniformed security officer, a salesperson with a name tag, a mother with children, etc.)
They should never leave the store/mall or go to the parking lot to look for you or your car