Safety Awareness

Safety Awareness

What Everyone Should Know

Your safety is important to us. With the help of law enforcement, Loss Prevention Department has developed a list of personal safety tips for keeping you and your family safe. The following is a list of tips for decreasing your chances of becoming a victim of crime or injury. And always remember, your life is worth more than anything in your purse or wallet.

In the store

• If possible, shop with a friend or family member.
• Carry only the amount of cash or credit cards you need and keep them secure until checkout.
• Always keep small children near you. At retail stores, many of the shopping carts are equipped with safety restraints and several have safety seats for smaller children.
• Do not leave your purse unattended in your cart – even for a moment.
• Only sign checks at the register.
• Put your change away before leaving.
• Let an associate carry out your groceries – even if it’s only one or two bags.

When outside the Store

• Park close to the store or in a highly visible, well-lit area of the parking lot.
• Keep packages and other valuables locked in the trunk.
• Limit the amount of time you spend sitting in your car.
• Remember where you parked so you’re not wandering around looking for your car
• Always lock your doors – and don’t forget your keys!
• Look confident and use assertive body language.
• When possible, wear clothes and shoes that won’t slow you down.
• When returning to your car, look under and around it. Also check your front and back seats before getting in.
• Be aware of your surroundings by scanning the parking lot and identifying potential hazards.
• Once in your car, immediately lock the doors and drive away.
• If you feel you are being followed, don’t go home – go to the nearest safe location: a crowded store, the fire department, a police car or station.
• If you are confronted in your car, stay in your car and blow your horn. This will attract attention and scare the stranger off.

 

 

If You Are Approached

• If a car approaches you while you’re walking, quickly turn and run in the opposite direction.
• Carry a police whistle on your key chain to alert attention when you are away from your car.
• Make eye contact. Looking at the person gives you time to plan and lets the stranger know you will not be taken by surprise.
• If you are going to be knocked down, sit down.
• If someone suspicious approaches your car, blow the horn until the person has been scared off or you have attracted attention.
• Some law enforcement agencies suggest carrying an extra $20 to satisfy desperate thieves.

At the ATM

• Choose a PIN (personal identification number) that is easy to remember, but not obvious to others. Don’t use birthdays, social security numbers, etc.
• Avoid using ATM’s early in the morning, late at night, or those that are isolated from the general public.
• Beware of anyone “hanging out” near the ATM. If someone suspicious approaches you, quickly cancel your transaction and leave.
• Plan your transaction and have your card ready before you reach the ATM.
• Put your money and card away immediately.
• Take your receipt and make sure it is accurate.
• If your life is threatened while using an ATM, cooperate fully with the robber – your life is more important than money. Once you are out of harm’s way, contact the police immediately.

 

Everyday Safety

• Don’t be afraid to trust your instincts. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
• When possible, carry your wallet and credit cards in your pocket.
• Eliminate spare keys from your purse.
• Carry belongings close to your body. Keep purses and bags fastened shut and held in front of you between your arm and body, but not wrapped around your neck or wrist.
• Do not leave belongings in your car or otherwise unattended.