Do you know how to protect yourself against muggers if you encounter one during the holiday shopping season? As much as shopping during the holidays can be a magical family activity, muggers are frequently waiting in concealed places around mall parking lots. They can potentially rob you of your money and gifts as you walk out of a store.
You best defense against muggers is to be your own burglar alarm and work metaphorically in the same way. When out with your family, take the prospect of a mugger very seriously, especially if you have to walk in a parking lot that’s dark or devoid of people.
Staying Alert to What’s Around You
It’s easy to be self-absorbed when you happen to be by yourself when out shopping. You may be thinking about other things and not even be aware of someone standing near your car in a dark or undercover parking lot. If you have to go out shopping at night due to working all day, you simply have to be aware of the people in your immediate vicinity. If you’re in a quiet area and you see someone standing near your car that you think looks suspicious, go back into the store for a few minutes and tell security.
Something that most people don’t think about is to also inspect areas around your car. Some muggers hide themselves under cars and take people by surprise. Or they could be hiding on the other side of your car where you can’t see. Should there be someone there, run back into the store for safety and alert security or call police on your cell phone.
Don’t Sit in Your Car with Doors Unlocked
After coming out of a store, you might have a tendency to sit in your car for a few minutes with your doors unlocked. Perhaps you have to call someone on your cell phone before you head home. For your own safety, it’s best to leave a parking lot as soon as you can. Leaving your doors unlocked is the worst thing you can do if you’re sitting around too long.
Look for Parking Areas with Bright Lighting
For those who have to shop at night, you’re better off parking in a well-lit area. During the busy holiday season, parking in a giant undercover lot during the evening may leave you no choice but to park in a spot that has little lighting. Do what you can and try to find a spot that at least has a light nearby. Muggers will usually avoid areas that have better visibility.
Avoid Chatting with Strangers in Parking Lots
While you might find this depressing to not converse with others during the holidays, you’re safer not conversing with someone in a parking lot. That’s especially true if it’s someone just standing around rather than moving. Regardless, the mugger could be someone parked right next to you and who was a shopper on their own. In today’s time, you never know who might mug you for your money and gift items if they think they won’t be noticed.
While the above will be up to you based on your sixth sense, being astute to your surroundings is always your best personal alarm system while holiday shopping. Keep your eyes and ears open at all times to the type of people around you.
If you need an alarm system that’s dependable in your Long Island, New York home, consider us here at All Island Security Inc. We’re the most affordable and quality alarm system company in Long Island that can help you also protect your home during the holidays.
