Dedham Police Offering Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

The Dedham Police Department wants residents to be safe and sound when shopping this holiday season. Below are tips the department wants everyone to keep in mind.

1. Record all your credit cards numbers and contact numbers for credit card companies in a safe, secure place at home in the event that they are lost or stolen.

2. When using credit cards in stores, always shield your PIN and make sure your cards are returned to you following the transaction.

3. In the event that a credit card is lost or stolen call the credit card companies quickly and cancel the cards.

4. Shop in groups when possible.

5. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. If you do carry cash, carry it in your front pocket.

6. Park in well-lit, heavily traveled areas of the parking lots.

7. Do not leave purchases in full view in your car, if at all possible store purchases in the trunk.

8. Be aware of your surroundings. Avoid talking on your phone, listening to music or texting while in large crowds. Don’t let your guard down.

9. If you must carry a pocketbook please be sure that it is closed. Avoid leaving it unattended in shopping carriages. Avoid hanging on the back of your chair while dining as well.

10. Don’t allow your children to wander, have a plan with your children about what to do if you do become separated.

11. Hold your car keys in your hand if your vehicle is equipped with an alarm. If you are in trouble you can activate the alarm to attract attention and help.

12. If you shop online this holiday season be sure that your computer has updated anti-virus and anti-spam software. Only do business on secure websites. Look for “https:” in the address bar. Avoid bargains from companies that you are not familiar with. Remember if it sounds to go to be true, it probably is!

13. If you have purchases being delivered to your home try to be home to except them. If not have the item shipped to your office (if allowed) or to a neighbor or relative’s home that is home to except the package.

14. Traffic in and around shopping malls may become congested, be patient and allow extra time.