APD Foothills Area Command - HOLIDAY SHOPPING SAFETY

Situational Awareness:  Maintain your focus! Be aware of your surroundings.  Don't allow yourself to be distracted in aisles, parking lots, or by texting or talking on your cell phone.

Purses:  Leave the purse at home and only carry what you need to complete your errand on your person (pocket, try a wristlet, etc). Never leave your purse resting in a grocery cart.  Don't risk being injured or drug through a parking lot by carrying a purse that a strong-arm robber would view as a target.

Parking Lots: Lock up! Have your vehicle keys ready before you walk out of the store. Keep your vehicle locked and windows rolled up.
Ask retailers for an escort to your vehicle.  Don't leave valuables in sight when you exit the vehicle .  If you must lock a purse or parcel in your car trunk, do it before you arrive at your destination.  When leaving the area, get in your vehicle and lock up and then get settled to your vehicle to exit the area.



• Give the shipper specific delivery times when you will be home
• Have your package delivered to your work address, or to a trusted family member or neighbor's home if they are home all day and will accept delivery for you
• Have the package sent to the local delivery company's warehouse and pick it up yourself
• Ask if your shipper will request a signature upon delivery
• Consider insuring the package
• Obtain tracking information from the shipper
• Contact the company you ordered from and the shipper if you suspect your package may have been stolen
• Ask a trusted neighbor to watch your porch if you'll be out of town for packages, newspapers, door-hangers left on your doorknob

Happy Holidays from the APD Foothills Area Command
Jill Garcia, Crime Prevention Specialist