Christmas is only a few days away and plenty of area residents will be busy doing some last-minute shopping.
The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office reminds everyone to be vigilant this holiday season
Here are some tips:
• Keep all purses and bags zipped and snapped closed; Do not flash large amounts of cash when paying for merchandise. If using a debit card, keep the card close to your body so the card number will not be able to be photographed by a cell phone.
• Always shop with a buddy, you are less of a target when you have someone with you.
• If you have to take a phone call or text message – don’t let your guard down and get distracted while shopping.
• If using a shopping cart, try to secure your purse or bags with the child locking system. Do not carry large amounts of merchandise at one time.
• If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, contact law enforcement or the stores security officer.
• Keep children secure in a stroller or shopping cart at all times. Do not allow your children to wander. Speak with your children about a plan if you were separated while shopping.
• When you go shopping, make frequent trips to your vehicle to rid of shopping bags in your truck. This will prevent you from having your arms full of bags when you are done shopping.
• Park in a well lit parking lot; Do not leave valuables in plan view in your car; Always lock your doors when you are driving or not.
• When returning to your car, look under, in and around your car while approaching it. Be aware of your surroundings.
As always, if you see something, say something.
