Advice for holiday shoppers and travelers from Tempe Police
• Carry your valuables wisely. Do not keep cash in your wallet. Instead, keep it in an inside pocket and only carry the credit cards you'll need.
• Do not leave valuables in your vehicle. If you must leave packages in your car, put them in the trunk. Keep receipts with you.
• Carry a cell phone with you. If someone makes you suspicious or uncomfortable, notify security or call the police.
• Whenever possible, park and walk in well-lit areas. Be aware of your surroundings, especially the people around you. Have your keys in hand.
• Carry your purse close to you. Keep the opening or flap towards your body. Never leave a purse in a shopping cart.
• While in shopping center parking lots. Be aware of who is around you. Make a note of where you park. Hold onto your children’s hands. Be sure to have your keys in your hand prior to heading to your car.
• No sale deal is worth getting into an argument over with another customer. Consider talking with store management or asking security to handle the situation, or just simply walk away from a potential altercation.
• Do not keep a wallet, credit cards or cash in a backpack. If you are in a crowd, consider carrying the backpack in front of you. Pickpockets can quickly and easily remove items from a backpack without being noticed by the owner.
• Protect your credit card numbers and other personal information. Carefully dispose of receipts that have a credit card number on them. Never provide credit card information in response to unsolicited calls or emails.
• Don't announce your new high-dollar purchases. Break down boxes labeled TVs, stereos, computers, etc.; turn them inside out before placing into the trash.
• If you are traveling for the holidays, make your home look "lived in". Have a friend or neighbor collect your mail and newspapers or have your service suspended while you are away. Use timers to turn lights off and on.
• The men and women of the Tempe Police Department wish you a safe and happy holiday season!
