Azar

As the festive season progresses, one can rest assured that heightened shopping activities and overall congestion in shopping areas will prevail.

Unfortunately, with persons being preoccupied with activities and completing things-to-do lists, criminals often seize this opportunity to strike, and the incidence of theft and other related activities tends to increase.

If shoppers adhere to the tips set out below, they will greatly reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of crime. It should never be forgotten that criminals will almost always strike what they perceive to be the easiest targets, or the ones they expect to present the least resistance. Never forget that good security always begins with having the correct mindset, and there is no substitute for being aware and properly prepared by rehearsing how you would react in certain situations when instinct inevitably takes over.

SHOPPING warnings

1 Avoid falling into a routine or pattern as this makes it easier for the criminals to observe your movements and to plan an attack.

2 When parking your vehicle, do so as close as possible to the establishment you are visiting. Be cognisant of cars and persons in the vicinity of your vehicle prior to exiting and ensure that your car. doors and windows are securely locked before walking away from your vehicle. Doing so not only protects your vehicle against theft, but ensures that you do not return to find unwanted visitors inside.

3 Be fully aware of your surroundings, including other shoppers. Keep cellular conversations to a minimum and never forget that you are not in a sterile environment. Avoid disclosing confidential personal information on the telephone, especially when others are around. Similarly, when encountering friends or family, be careful of what is said, especially when in the company of strangers. Never discuss details such as your husband/boyfriend being away from home, the school your children attend, the fact that you have just been paid, etc., as such information may be music to a criminal's ears!

4 Keep your handbag close to your body at all times, preferably with your arms through the straps. If shopping with small children, keep them close to you and be sure to monitor all conversations they have with strangers as, again, information could be disclosed which could be to your disadvantage.

5 Limit your conversation with strangers and be particularly aware if someone insists on speaking with you when you have made it clear by your language - body language included - that you would rather them not do so. Be polite, but firm, and trust your instincts: If something does not 'feel right', act on it.

6 Never display large quantities of cash in public as you do not want to attract unwanted attention. Similarly, try not to buy too many items at once as this will prove to be a distraction for you as well as suggest to the criminal that you have plenty of money to spend.

7 As tempting as it may be, be careful about accepting offers from strangers to take your packages to your car. Many abductions begin as 'innocently' as this.

8 When approaching your vehicle, be fully aware of all vehicles and personnel in the vicinity of your car. Trust your instincts and do not approach your vehicle if something or someone makes you uncomfortable. Before entering your vehicle, check the rear seats to ensure that no one is hiding there and lock all doors once you are safely inside, prior to moving off. Remember to check your rear-view mirrors to ensure you are not being followed.

Email feedback to: johnpazar @kingalarmjamaica.com