Cobb Police Share Black Friday Safe Shopping Advice

If you are getting ready to hit the stores to partake in Black Friday deals, the Cobb County Police Department wants you to keep in mind several safety tips that will make your busy day proceed without incident.

The police department shared the tips on their Facebook page, citing the National Crime Prevention Council as their source. The tips cover a various range of situations, including how to stay safe in the store and how to safely shop with your children.

The advice is as follows:

Shopping in Stores:

Do not buy more than you can carry. Plan ahead by taking a friend with you or asking a store employee to help you carry your packages to the car.

Save all receipts. Print and save all confirmations from your online purchases. Start a file folder to keep all receipts together and to help you verify credit card or bank statements as they come in.

Don’t flash the cash. Consider alternate options to pay for your merchandise, such as onetime or multiuse disposable credit cards or money orders, including at online stores.

Wait until asked by a cashier before taking out your credit card or checkbook. An enterprising thief would love to shoulder surf to get your account information.


Walking to and From Your Car:

Be informed about your surroundings. Use the free mobile app available from AlertID™ to receive alerts about registered sex offenders living and working in the vicinity of your shopping venue.

Deter pickpockets. Carry your purse close to your body or your wallet inside a coat or front trouser pocket.

Have your keys in hand when approaching your vehicle. Check the back seat and around the car before getting in.
Tell a security guard or store employee if you see an unattended bag or package. The same applies if you are using mass transit.
Do not leave packages visible in your car. Lock them in the trunk, or if possible, take them directly home.


Shopping With Small Children:

If you are shopping with children, make a plan in case you are separated from each other. ◦Select a central meeting place.

Teach them to know they can ask mall personnel or store security employees if they need help.

Have them memorize or keep your cell phone number handy.

Do you have any shopping safety tips you would like to share with your neighbors? Tell us in the comments!