Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are reminding shoppers to be extra careful with their purchases during one of the busiest shopping times of the year.
OPP urge shoppers to be aware that thieves are also busy this time of year and are preying upon careless shoppers.
The OPP offer the following safety tips while shopping;
– always be alert to the people around you;
– never leave purchased items alone in a cart or bag while shopping;
– never leave your purse, wallet, keys, jacket or other personal items unattended in a shopping cart; and
– never display or carry large amounts of cash with you while shopping.
The OPP offer the following vehicle safety tips while shopping;
– always park in a well-travelled and well lit location of a parking lot;
– ask for clerk assistance to your vehicle if you are shopping alone;
– always lock your vehicle when unattended;
– always secure purchases in a locked trunk out of public view; and
– if a trunk isn’t an option, place purchases on the floor behind the driver’s seat and cover them with a blanket to keep them out of view.
This is a very busy time of year. Stores and shopping centres are crowded and often shoppers can be easily be distracted.
The OPP reminds everyone of the importance of staying alert while shopping and to report any and all suspicious persons or activity to store security or police immediately.
Don’t give thieves the opportunity to steal.
