Sheriff's Office Offers Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

As stores crowd with shoppers early Black Friday and into the holiday season, the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office provides tips to be safe and to avoid being a theft victim.

The Sheriff’s Office works cooperatively with area retail management and increases patrols in high traffic retail areas this time of year, according to a Sheriff's Office press release, but shoppers are encouraged to keep the following tips in mind when heading out to hit the stores:

• Avoid shopping alone. Try to shop with a friend or relative.
• Park your vehicle in a well-lighted area.
• Remove valuable electronics that are in your vehicle from plain sight.
• Know your surroundings. Keep an eye on the people in front of as well as behind you.
• Carry your purse close to your body, and don't reveal large amounts of cash.
• If using a shopping cart do not leave purses unsecured and keep them closed.
• Walk with confidence. Avoid talking to strangers.
• Approach your vehicle with your keys already in your hand.
• Do not carry too many packages at one time. Place all packages out of sight.
• Do not place purses on top of the vehicle or in the trunk while loading purchases.
• Keep vehicle doors locked and windows shut.

If you see anything suspicious or if something just doesn't feel right, leave the area immediately and contact security or the Sheriff’s Office.