Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

Shoppers will be hitting the malls and retail plazas in full force now that Black Friday is here. But deal-seekers must not let their guards down, law enforcement agencies caution, as thieves and other criminals will be out and about as well.

"More than $35 million dollars a day in goods are stolen from retailers in the
U.S.," Andrea Davis, spokeswoman for Tampa Police, said in a statement. "Shoplifting overburdens the police and the courts, adds to a store's security expenses, costs consumers more for goods and costs communities lost dollars in sales taxes."

Be smart, be alert this holiday season. Here are some safety tips culled from Tampa Police and the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. 

When at the mall:

• Stay alert to your surroundings and the people around you.
• Lock your car doors and roll up your windows after parking.
• Limit the amount of cash you carry.
• Limit the amount of jewelry you wear.
• Keep your purse close to your body and your wallet in an inside jacket pocket if possible.
• Place all packages in your trunk so they are not visible to individuals walking close to your vehicle.
• Remember where you parked your vehicle and have your car keys in hand when approaching your vehicle.
• Don't leave cell phones, purses or other items in your parked car where they can be seen.
• Teach your children to go to a store clerk or security guard and ask for help
  if they should become separated in a store or shopping mall. They should never go into a parking lot alone.

When using ATM machines:

• Use one in a populated area and pay constant attention to your surroundings.
• If possible, go during daylight hours.
• If anyone is lurking near the machine, pass it up and find another.
• Remember to retrieve your credit/debit card after transaction.