Keeping the Rapscallions Away from Your Holidays
Written by Robert D. Sollars
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” A Christmas classic since Andy Williams exuberantly sang it out with his flair nearly 60 years ago. And for nearly everyone who celebrates this time of goodwill, fellowship, and peace it is wonderful…even those who want to take it away from you. Of course, they think it’s wonderful too…you’re buying gifts for their family and you just don’t know it!
There are innumerable plain out-and-out criminals out there that wish to rob you silly and tear away your holiday feelings and spirit. These next 2 posts will be in an effort to prevent them from taking your warm fuzzies, safety, and security from you:
Shopping:
You must be aware of the 5 W’s & H of journalism fame during the holidays; Who, what, when, where, why, & how is around you at all times, always with no breaks for the season. This sounds simple enough to do, but during the holiday season, it really isn’t. And the first unusual thing you will read here is to be, as some call it, hyper-vigilant, and watchful of, literally, everything and everyone around you & not just the special sales and gifts.
While not being totally mistrustful and apprehensive of people, you definitely need to take care and be wary of potential scammers, they are everywhere and act like normal law-abiding people, and those following, can we say stalkers…sounds insidious and it is you. Those stalking you may want to take advantage of you and you not being aware– in more than a few ways.
Also, know where you are at all times. You must be constantly aware of where you are and how you got there. Wandering around the mall, like you’re in a daze you may forget or overlook some little issue that may become a bigger problem when you try to leave with your purchases. Again, Criminals will look for those who are confused and worrying about other things and not paying attention to their situational awareness.
Carry only 1 credit/debit card and NEVER, absolutely never, flash a wad of cash:
Use your wallet instead of having the cash in your pocket, unless you are fortunate enough to have a bodyguard. Criminals, if they are stalking you, and if they’re a criminal they will be stalking the likeliest victim, and will watch how you pay for your purchases. If they spot numerous credit/debit cards or a huge wad of cash in your wallet, it makes you an obvious and easily spotted target. And if you’re not aware of that person constantly following you around the store or mall…
Carry your wallet in your front pocket:
This may sound like a weird tip, but stop and think for a moment. Which pocket is closer and harder to get into, your rear or front? It is less likely to draw the eye of a potential pocket picker being in the front. If they do try to steal it and it’s the front…chances, are you will notice before they get away with it.
Ladies, if you’re not wearing pants with pockets, place your purse around your neck and shoulder and wear it on your chest. This will make it harder for someone to steal or open it up. With the purse on your chest and the strap around your arm & neck…definitely, a harder target to snatch from. You never want to make yourself an easy target. Therefore, make those pick-pockets find an easier person to ‘pick’ on.
Make frequent trips to your car:
If you’re in the middle of a shopping frenzy, planning on shopping ‘til you drop, or Black Friday, then make sure that you don’t drop from being robbed! Make a purchase or two and take it to your vehicle, then go back to the next store. This will allow you to keep your hands free so you are able to pull out your keys quickly if you perceive you are being stalked. This gives you a chance to open the car quickly or protect yourself with the keys.
Never carry so many packages that you can’t see well or your hands can’t move freely:
If your hands are full and you can’t reach your keys easily or you can’t see what is ahead of you clearly, you make a very easy and inviting target to a criminal. Whether they assault you while you’re moving towards your car or after you’ve reached it and have to put your packages down, so you can unlock and unload your packages to the back seat or trunk. As with the first tip. ALWAYS be aware of what’s going on around you:
Another little tip that may help during those Christmas shopping outings while going to and from your vehicle… Keep your keys poking between your fingers. This is especially true if you are overly burdened with packages. The reason?
They make a wonderful weapon to slash a criminal who tries to accost you. And it also helps you to save time in unlocking the car, so that no one can pounce quickly. While at your vehicle you are the most vulnerable to being robbed until you get home.
Look for the 2nd post next week, so you can stay safe & secure during the traditional holiday hustle & bustle.
I certainly hope that the Christmas and holiday season will be wonderful. And I ask of you, those who celebrate, please remember the reason for the season. If someone is rude and surly to you, remember that they may have had someone be rude and surly to them earlier (even if they just started). A smile and a few kind words may go a long way in the warmth and fellowship of the season.
www.sollarsviolenceprevention.com Twitter: RobertSollars2 e-mail: robert@sollarsviolenceprevention.com
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Copyright 2022 Robert D. Sollars
