Harper Tate
389 Country
The busy holiday season is officially underway, and shopping centers are gearing up for the annual Black Friday rush. Each year, millions of shoppers hit the stores in search of the perfect gift for their loved ones. Unfortunately, past Black Friday crowds have led to 17 deaths and 125 injuries since incidents began being recorded in the early 2000s.
To ensure everyone stays safe during this holiday shopping season, Sheriff Buchanan has shared these important tips:
Keep your purse or wallet close and avoid keeping your phone in your back pocket.
Don’t argue or fight over items in the store. It’s just not worth it!
Stay aware of your surroundings and locate the nearest exits.
Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return.
Avoid leaving bags visible in your car; instead, secure them in the trunk or take them home.
Wait to take out your credit or debit card until the cashier asks—this helps prevent theft.
Report anything suspicious to store staff or law enforcement.
For those who prefer online shopping, cybercrime remains a risk. Sheriff Buchanan also offers these tips for staying safe online:
Shop only on secure websites with "HTTPS" or a lock symbol in the URL.
Keep records of your purchases and monitor your bank activity for unauthorized charges.
Use a secure internet connection, like your home Wi-Fi, and avoid public networks.
Research unfamiliar online retailers before making a purchase to ensure their legitimacy.
Holiday Shopping Safety Reminders from Sheriff Buchanan
“While the holidays are a happy and exciting time, we cannot forget how important it is to continue to keep ourselves and our communities safe,” said Sheriff Buchanan. “Take a little extra time to review these safety tips to help keep the holiday cheer!”
Stay safe, shop smart, and enjoy the season!
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