By Matt Wiley
As the holiday season approaches, New Tampa residents are sure to spend a good amount of time shopping and traveling. However, this busy time of year also is one of the easiest times to get ripped off by criminals. To help combat crime during what should be a joyful time, the Tampa Police Department (TPD) has released a list of safety tips to protect New Tampa residents and their property during the busy winter season of shopping and travel.
TPD’s list begins with discussing the dangers and necessary precautions if having packages delivered to doorsteps, a commonplace occurrence during the holiday season, as online shopping sometimes is much more convenient than shopping at a store. If a package is scheduled to be delivered at a time when you won’t be home, it’s important to make sure that someone knows to expect it. Just because a package is delivered to your doorstep doesn’t mean that it’s impervious to thieves, TPD explains, especially if it’s left out in the open.
“If you are expecting a package, let a trusted neighbor know so they can collect it for you,” the TPD list advises.
TPD also has several tips for holiday shoppers, who sometimes can fall victim to parking lot robberies if they let their guards down. TPD advises to always shop with a companion, especially during the evening hours, and to be alert to your surroundings when walking to and from a vehicle in a parking lot. But, never fear, there will be an increased police presence at malls and shopping destinations throughout the holiday season.
“We’ll have our annual mall operation taking place, which includes beefed up patrols at the (City of Tampa’s) malls and shopping district areas,” says TPD spokesperson Janelle McGregor.
The TPD list also states that it is important to park in well-lit areas away from large plants and shrubbery, where criminals can and often do hide.
When vehicles are parked, it also is important to make sure that any valuables in the vehicle are hidden from sight. If traveling, this also is a good idea for your home. Make sure that no valuables are visible from any of your home’s windows.
The TPD list states that traveling light while shopping also is a good idea.
“Only take the credit card, or number or checks you plan on using,” the list advises. After making purchases, TPD says it is wise not to advertise those purchases by disposing of boxes or containers that the store may have packaged them in, especially if those boxes or containers show the name of designer and electronics brands that may be targeted by criminals.
Most importantly, shoppers are reminded to report any suspicious activity by dialing 9-1-1.
Stay safe and happy shopping!
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