Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

As the holidays approach, and we get into shopping season, it’s important to remain aware of your surroundings while on your shopping trips. Follow the safety tips below to keep you and your loved ones safe in stores and parking lots:

Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

• Never count your cash in plain view of strangers.

• Don’t leave your handbag unsecured or open in your shopping cart. If you don’t have a child in your cart, use the cart’s seat belt to buckle your bag for added security.

• When arriving to and departing from the store or bank, be fully aware of your surroundings and don’t be distracted by your phone, on a call or social media.

• While loading your purchased items in your vehicle or refueling your vehicle, don’t unlock your entire vehicle; only unlock the area you are loading into.

• If you think you’re being followed, don’t go directly home – go to a well-populated area or your nearest police station.

• If something feels suspicious or makes you feel uncomfortable in the parking lot, return to the store until you feel safe to go back to your vehicle.

• When you enter a store, do a quick visual sweep to identify emergency exits. By knowing these locations, you’ll be able to get yourself and your loved ones to safety quickly if there is an emergency.

• Strength in numbers: If you can, shop with a friend or family member. Also, let someone know what your shopping plans are and when you expect to return.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve,

Texas Tech El Paso Police Department