Shopping tonight or tomorrow? Wilmington Police offer holiday safety tips

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) – As the holiday shopping season gets underway this weekend, the Wilmington Police Department offers the following safety tips:

• While shopping, stay alert and be aware of what is going on around you.
• Avoid shopping alone. Try to shop with friends or relatives.
• Park in a well-lit area. Be sure to lock your car, close your windows and hide any shopping bags/gifts/purses in the trunk.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; pay with credit cards or with a check when possible.
• Carry your purse close to your body. Keep your wallet in a front pocket or inside coat pocket.
• Do not carry too many packages at one time. Try to consolidate your packages into one or two bags to create an illusion that you didn’t purchase much.
• Try to shop when the shopping malls are less crowded.
• When shopping with children, teach them to go to a store clerk or security guard if you become separated.
• Know your surroundings and keep an eye on the people in front of you and behind you.
• After the holidays, don’t leave empty boxes for new electronic items in plain view at the curb.
• Update or create a home inventory list with serial numbers, including videos or photos of all your valuables, in the event that items are stolen.