Davidson County Sheriff's Office: Christmas Shopping Safety Tips

It's now November, and, how did that happen so quickly? With this time of year upon us, here at the Davidson County Sheriff's Office we wanted to send out some safety reminders.

Please keep in mind your surroundings at all times.

Shop during daylight or at unpopular times. If you must shop at night or during busy times, use the buddy system. There’s safety in numbers.

Don’t shop ’til you drop. Fatigue makes you more vulnerable to hazards and threats.

Shop at retail locations with visible security guards.

Know what to do in an emergency. Know the locations of exits, fire alarm pulls, and hiding places like bathrooms and fitting rooms.

Protect your wallet and credit card information, especially in line to pay. It’s an easy way to prevent identity theft and credit card fraud.

Consider how much you’re buying at once and how you’ll get it home safely.

Park and lock your vehicle in a well-lit spot. Allow extra time and patience in busy parking lots.

Don’t leave valuables or purchased merchandise in your vehicle where it can be seen. Conceal all items.

If you find yourself in a dangerous or unsafe situation, try to get away as quickly and safely as possible. If you can’t do that, find a safe place to hide. And, if you can’t do that, defend and protect yourself.