TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Caution Urged For Shoppers

ADVERTISEMENT

By LISA A. DAVIS

ldavis@tampatrib.com

Published: November 27, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY - Despite the grisly economy, the holiday spirit seems to be alive if not even well.

Perhaps prompted by retailers that started merchandising seasonal items even earlier than usual this year to jumpstart consumers, holiday lights made appearances in residential neighborhoods long before Thanksgiving.

Still, this doesn't mean Scrooge won't try to squash that upbeat spirit.

"When the economy goes down, crime typically goes up. That's a given," said Pasco sheriff's Sgt. Troy Fergueson. "It's about not becoming a victim."

How do you do that? Don't give scofflaws the opportunity to victimize you; educate yourself and be savvy about safety, Fergueson said.

"Opportunity-seeking criminals come out of the woodwork around the holidays," he said.

So take the target off your back by following safety tips that can be used not only during this season but really anytime.

"Criminals take the path of least resistance," Fergueson said.

• Stay alert to your surroundings.

• Try to shop during the day but if you can't, then shop with a buddy.

• Only carry cash, checks and credit cards you plan on using and don't keep them all in the same wallet or pocket. "Don't keep all your eggs in one basket," Fergueson said.

• To avoid carrying cash, pay for purchase by check or credit card when possible. If you must have cash, keep it out of a wallet and carry it in a front pocket.

• Notify your credit card company immediately if a card is lost, stolen or otherwise misused. "Typically, they're thieves are going to want to go out and use those right away," Fergueson said.

• Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home but try to write it in some sort of code instead of saying Citibank Visa No. 4232-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX. Don't make it obvious what it is but make it clear enough you know it.

• Leave your purse or wallet at home. If men do carry a wallet, don't have it in your back pocket. That's where criminals are going to look for it, and it's easy to slip out unnoticed. If women do carry a purse and someone tries to take it, don't fight. "Don't get hurt fighting a purse snatcher," Fergueson said. "Let it go."

A prime example of a worse case scenario was the Hudson woman who just weeks ago was mugged outside a T.J. Maxx. During the altercation, the mugger pulled her purse so forcefully that her hit the pavement, and she later died.

• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.

• Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. Con artists are out in full force and use several methods in distracting you while trying to take your money or belongings.

• If you load up your car with packages and have more stops, don't leave them in plain view. Keep them in the trunk, behind tinted glass or under something.

• Park in well-lighted areas.

• When approaching your car, have your keys out and ready to get into your vehicle quickly and don't approach your car if you see suspicious people near by. Ask security for an escort.

• The sheriff's office will be stepping up patrols especially on Black Friday and on weekends at area shopping centers and Gulf View Square mall in Port Richey and the new Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel.

"We'll be out in force," Fergueson said. "You never know if the guy walking next to you is an undercover deputy or the guy like you looking for a gift for a loved one."

Reporter Lisa A. Davis can be reached at (727) 815-1083.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT