Use your shopping Cents

• Shop during daylight hours.
• Shop with a friend or family member.
• Don't set your purse down or leave it unattended.
• Keep your purse close to your body and don't let it dangle by its straps.
• Keep an eye on your purchases.  Shopping bags are often taken from shopping carts, benches and restrooms, if left unattended.
• Keep receipts in your wallet or purse.  A thief who snatches a shopping bag can quickly return it for cash, if the receipt has been left in the bag.
• Don't carry large amounts of cash and/or credit cards.  Carry only what you need.
• Be alert to "shoulder surfers" (those who seek to obtain your account /pin numbers by looking over your shoulder at an ATM machine or store checkout).

• Use ATMs during daylight hours.
• Use ATMs in populated areas.
• Use drive-up ATMs.

• Resist the temptation to get into confrontations with other drivers over parking spaces.
• If you shop at night, park in a well-lit area.
• Conceal packages or other items of value, preferably in the trunk.
• NEVER leave children in a vehicle unattended.  If you choose to stay in your vehicle, remember to lock your doors.
• ALWAYS lock your vehicle doors, even if your're only going to be gone for a few minutes.

• Have your keys out before entering the parking area and be ready to unlock your door.
• Be aware of your surroundings as you walk toward your vehicle.
• As you approach your vehicle, glance underneath it.
• Take a quick look  inside your vehicle (front and back) before entering it.

• While shopping, make eye contact and say "hello" to those around you.  Thieves don't want to be noticed.
• Be alert to thieves who work in teams.  One will distract you, while the others takes your wallet, purse or shopping bags.
• Watch for people who ae loitering in parking lots, looking in vehicles or trying to open the doors of different vehicles.

• RUN!
• Scream for HELP!
• ACTIVATE a CAR/PERSONAL ALARM or WHISTLE!

• REPORT it to your bank and credit card companies, IMMEDIATELY!  Most thieves will use your credit cards and checks within the first few hours of a theft.