Crime & Safety
Sheriff Offers Black Friday Shopping Safety Tips
Here are ways to stay safe and still enjoy the Black Friday shopping frenzy.
As sale seekers get ready to shop till they drop on Black Friday, Suffolk County Sheriff Vincent DeMarco has some advice to keep consumers safe.
“Whenever people feel stressed and rushed, they can be more vulnerable to crime. These tips offer some basic guidelines to follow to be safer while holiday shopping,” DeMarco said.
Parking Lots:
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When walking through parking lots, be aware of surroundings.
Always park where there is plenty of light between your car and the store.
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Keep your car locked and have your keys in hand before you go to your car.
Before leaving your vehicle, make sure there isn’t anything of value in sight, including cell phones, GPS units and shopping bags full of holiday purchases.
Parking lots are typically very crowded at the start of the holiday season, DeMarco said. Use patience when looking for parking and pay extra attention when pulling out of a parking spot.
Shopping:
Expect long lines and be patient. Enter stores safely; there is no item worth rushing through a crowd and risking injury.
Shop with others; there is safety in numbers.
Don’t leave your purse unattended in your cart, even for a few seconds.
Don’t carry large amounts of money. Keep money in a front pocket.
Only carry one or two credit cards and make sure you secure them after use.
If shopping online, stick with established retailers and retailers from the local community with a presence online.
Shopping with Children:
Always supervise children in public places. Accompany young children to the rest room.
Remind children to remain in the same area in the event they lose sight of you.
Never dress children in clothing that displays their first or last names.
If you are a victim of crime, call 911 immediately.
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