Security Experts Offer Tips on Holiday Safety

According to the National Retail Federation, consumers are expected to spend 3.9 percent more money on holiday shopping in 2013 than in 2012. Such consumer optimism may also mean that holiday shoppers get into a competitive spirit, battling busy stores and hunting down aggressive deals and unintentionally putting their personal safety at risk.

While big holiday shopping outings have become a tradition for many holiday shoppers, we encourage everyone to remain vigilantly aware of their surroundings, said Don Crowell, owner of Signal 88 Security of Boise.

Whether youre hitting the stores before Thanksgiving, on Black Friday or anytime between now and Christmas, Signal 88 offers the following holiday shopping advice to consumers.

Before the Holidays

Practice Patience: Long lines can lead to short tempers. When store doors open, proceed with caution, and avoid running or pushing. Same goes for standing in long checkout lines; expect to encounter potentially frustrating delays if youre out on one of the major shopping days.

Stand Guard: Inside a store, never leave your purse, wallet or shopping cart unattended. Also, be mindful of security threats in parking lots. Always keep your vehicle locked and your purchases out of sight. You can enlist the assistance of store security if you feel uncomfortable walking to your car at night.

After the Holidays 

Keep Records: Record serial numbers for expensive items, especially electronics. If your home were to be burglarized, good records of these items could help law enforcement recover them. And, to avoid attracting thieves after the holiday, dont leave boxes for trash pick-up that showcase any new, big ticket items you received as gifts.

Return Respectfully: What can be even more frustrating than the long lines and shopping delays before the holidays are the lines and shopping delays after the big day. You may also be less inclined to pay attention to your surroundings, with the pressure of the holidays behind you. However, remaining aware of the people and events around you at all times is key to your personal security.

If you see something or someone suspicious, be sure to let law enforcement or store security know, said Crowell. You can do yourself and fellow shoppers a favor by looking out for one another this holiday season.

For more information, visit www.signal88.com/Black

AndBlueFriday.aspx.