Holiday shopping safety tips for stores and parking lots

Before heading to the store

A little preparation can help make a busy shopping trip go more smoothly. Consider these ideas before you head out:

• Shop with someone: Bring a friend or family member, especially if you expect large crowds or plan to shop after dark.
• Bring only what you need: Carry the cards, cash and personal items you expect to use.
• Charge your phone: A charged phone can be helpful if you need to contact someone you’re shopping with or ask for assistance.
• Make a family plan: If you’re shopping with children, choose a meeting place in case you become separated.
• Think about larger purchases: Plan how you’ll transport heavy or bulky items safely.

Staying safe in crowded stores

Busy aisles and checkout areas can make it easier to get distracted. As you move through the store, consider these shopping safety tips:

• Manage your shopping bags: Try to carry only as many bags as you can comfortably handle while keeping a hand free when possible.
• Be discreet with cash: Avoid displaying large amounts of cash when paying for purchases.
• Watch your purchases: Keep shopping bags and other items with you rather than leaving them unattended in seating areas, food courts or checkout areas.
• Notice the exits: Take a moment to see where store exits are located when you arrive.
• Limit distractions: Consider putting your phone away in crowded aisles, entrances and other high-traffic areas.
• Give others space: If an argument or tense situation develops nearby, consider moving to another area and asking an employee or security officer for help if needed.

Protecting wallets, phones and purchases

Keeping personal items secure can help reduce the chance of losing them or having them taken. Consider these precautions:

• Secure bags and valuables: Keep purses zipped or closed, and store wallets and phones in a secure pocket, purse or bag.
• Check gift cards: Before buying a gift card from a store display, look for signs that the packaging, protective sticker or PIN area has been opened or altered. If something looks unusual, do not buy the card. Tell a cashier or manager and consider purchasing the card at another store.
• Hold onto receipts: Keep receipts in a secure place. For gift cards, keep the card and receipt, or photos of both, in case you need to report a problem.

Shopping safely with children

Crowded stores can make it easier for family members to become separated. Choose an easy-to-find meeting point and show children how to identify store employees or security personnel who can help. Talk with them about staying inside the store and asking an employee for help if they can’t find you.

Parking lot safety for shoppers

Parking lots can be especially busy during Black Friday and the holiday season, with drivers, pedestrians and shopping carts moving in different directions. Taking a few precautions can help.

When walking through a parking lot

Consider these tips as you walk to and from your vehicle:

• Use designated walking areas: Choose sidewalks, marked walkways and crosswalks when they’re available.
• Stay alert for vehicles: Watch for brake lights and vehicles entering or backing out of parking spaces and consider putting your phone away while walking.
• Keep children close: Stay near young children, especially when walking between parked vehicles.
• Have your keys handy: Have your keys ready before you reach your vehicle, so you don’t have to search for them.
• Seek help if needed: If something feels off consider returning to the store or asking an employee or security officer for assistance.

When driving through a parking lot

Crowded parking areas call for extra patience. Keep these driving tips in mind:

• Drive slowly: Watch for pedestrians, shopping carts and vehicles entering or leaving parking spaces.
• Take your time finding a space: Avoid rushing toward an open parking spot or competing with another driver for it.
• Check before backing out: Look for pedestrians, vehicles and other obstacles before moving.
• Set navigation before driving: Avoid using your phone or adjusting navigation settings while the vehicle is moving.

If possible, choose a well-lit parking area when shopping after dark. Snow, ice and other winter weather can also affect visibility and traction, so consider allowing extra time and space when conditions are poor.

Protecting purchases in your vehicle

Sometimes a shopping trip includes several stops or more bags than you want to carry from store to store. If purchases need to stay in your vehicle, keep these tips in mind:

• Lock the vehicle: Lock your doors and close the windows when you leave your vehicle.
• Keep purchases and valuables out of sight: Put shopping bags in the trunk or another covered storage area when possible and avoid leaving phones or wallets visible through a window.
• Remember your parking spot: Make a note of where you parked or take a quick photo of a sign if there’s one nearby.
• Ask for loading help: If a purchase is difficult to carry, you may want to ask a store employee whether loading assistance is available.

If you’re making several stops, consider taking valuable purchases home rather than leaving them in your vehicle for long periods.

What to do if something feels unsafe

If a person or situation makes you uncomfortable, consider moving to a well-lit, staffed or populated area instead of confronting the person directly.

Inside a store, ask a cashier, customer service employee or security officer for help. In a parking lot, consider returning to the store or asking security to accompany you to your vehicle. Contact law enforcement when appropriate. Call 911 if there is an immediate threat or emergency. For a non-emergency, contact store security or local law enforcement.

Shopping online during the holidays

Shopping online can bring other risks, including suspicious sales emails, fake shopping sites and phishing attempts. Learning to recognize holiday scams can help you protect personal information before making a purchase.

Whether you’re heading to the stores for Black Friday or shopping online this holiday season, a few precautions can help you navigate the holiday rush more safely.