Chief Jim Craft and the employees of Lafayette Police Department would like to wish all of its citizens a “Happy and Safe Holiday Season”.  The Police Department offers the following safety tips while shopping:

Holiday Crime Prevention Tips While Shopping:

  • Stay alert to your surroundings and the people around you.
  • Shop with a friend, there is safety in numbers.
  • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
  • Pay for purchases with a check, credit or debit card.
  • If possible, carry only your driver's license, personal checks, or necessary credit or debit cards.
  • If you must carry a purse, do not wrap the straps around your arms or shoulders. Carry it by clutching the purse tightly under your arm or wear a fanny pack.
  • Do not carry a wallet in a back pocket. It should be placed in a front pocket of your pants for safety.
  • Be alert that crooks look for the “high dollar” shopping bags with your purchases. When possible, slip bags/purchases in a plain nondescript bag.
  • Watch purchases while eating in mall food courts; bags can easily be switched or taken.
  • Educate your children about what to do if they are lost as well as “Stranger Danger”.
  • Don't overburden yourself with too many packages. Use store's package pick-up.
  • Have your car keys ready in hand before leaving the store.
  • If you do return to your vehicle to unload purchases, place them in the trunk of the vehicle.
  • Try not to shop until the store closes. Remember, fewer people are present at this time.

Next, we will focus on tips while you are in the parking lot.

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