It may not even be Halloween yet but Christmas items are already on store shelves and many people are already shopping for the holidays. One thing that can help keep you safe is to never have anything in your car where it can be seen through the window. Even if you have an empty box in your car, a thief could break in a store parking lot just to see what it is. Always keep things in the trunk or the back of the SUV under the cargo shelf.
If you are going from place to place and you car will be in various lots through the day as your shopping trip progresses, keeping things in the trunk and out of sight is very important.
Always try to park as close to the stores entrance or a place that has a lot of activity such as near a sidewalk or valet stand. Cars that are near a lot of activity are less likely to be broken into.
Then there’s the trip home. My neighbor had someone follow her home and when she got out of her car in the driveway, they grabbed her purse and took off. It might have happened because she was elderly and the thief thought she would be an easy target since she was by herself.
If you are near your home and you have any suspicion that someone may be following you, drive past your house and do not pull into the driveway. Circle back through the neighborhood and if you still think someone may be following, drive to the nearest fire station or police substation and of course you can also call 911. I know of one neighbor who was being followed and called her neighbor and had him come out to the curb. She pulled over to talk with him and he was able to get the license of the car following her as it passed by them.
The holidays are meant to be an enjoyable time of year with family, friends and goodwill so taking a few extra precautions can help make sure the holidays stay safe for you and your family.
Mickey Briggs
