Foil holiday criminals

Hear are some great tips to help you have safer holidays.

SHOPPING

1. Shop during daylight whenever possible. If you must shop after dark, bring a friend or family member.
2. Don't carry a lot of cash, and put half of it in each of your front pockets so that pick pockets can't take all your cash in one sly move.
3. Don't carry too many packages. It's important to have good visibility and the ability to move to avoid any mishaps.
4. Be aware of strangers approaching you for any reason this time of year. Many con-artists try a variety of methods to distract you long enough to take your money or belongings.
5. Keep an eye on children while shopping. Teach them to go to a store clerk or security guard if they get separated from you. Make sure they know their first and last name. Keep children 4 and under in a stroller.
6. Try to shop during weekdays when it's less crowded and easier to keep track of children.
   Consider using a babysitter while you shop.

ATM

1. Use during daylight.
2. Use the mirrors near the top of the machine to monitor if anyone is approaching you.
3. If someone is loitering near the machine, pass it by and find another one.
   

TRAVEL

1. Print out maps so that you know where you are going. Also check for construction detours and weather conditions.
2. Let a friend or family member know where you are going and when you'll arrive. Also let them know your route.
3. Be sure to bring your cell phone fully charged and the charger.

VECHICLE

1. Park near the store, as close as possible to lighted areas. Remember where you parked so that you'll know right where to go when you come out of a store. Keep your doors locked and windows rolled up. Also keep at least a half tank of gas so that you don't end up having to stop in an unsafe area to get gas.
2. Make the habit of checking your gas gauge every time you get into your car.
3. Keep your vehicle maintained to avoid breakdowns.
4. If you experience a breakdown, pull as far onto the shoulder of the road as possible. Turn your emergency flashers on and call for help using your cell phone right away. You could also raise your hood. Then wait inside your locked vehicle.
5. If a stranger stops, speak to them with your window only rolled down slightly. Ask them to call for help if you don't have a cell phone.
6. On longer trips, bring food, water and extra blankets.
7. If involved in a collison in an unsafe or unfamiliar area, signal the other driver to follow you to a safe location. If you can't proceed, honk and ask a passerby to call police.
8. If a vehicle that is not clearly marked as a police car is signalling for you to stop, wave at the vehicle, signalling it to follow you if you are not in a safe area. Use your cell phone to call 911 right away to describe the vehicle that is following you and to receive directions and help.
9. Have your keys in your hand when walking to or from your vehicle so that you can stay alert while walking.
10. Stay alert by looking around for areas that someone may be hiding, including in your back seat, under or behind your vehicle.
11. Place packages in your trunk or on the floor of your vehicle covered up so as not to attract holiday thieves.
12. Stand up straight and notice what is happening around you.
13. Notice your surroundings while loading packages into your vehicle. If someone approaches, get into your vehicle and lock the door until they leave if you feel threatened.
14. Avoid dark areas, short-cuts, cul-de-sacs and suspicious persons.
15. If you're followed, make several right turns to verify. Be sure to stay on main streets. Also write down the vehicle's desription and license plate number.

ON FOOT

If followed

1. Cross the street
2. Vary your pace
3. Change directions
   

HOME

1. Many door-to-door sales are fraudulent and should be considered with caution.
2. Be sure doors and windows are locked.
3. Don't display presents were they can be seen through a window.
4. Use timers to keep lights on in the rooms you most commonly use. Criminals will recognize a pattern when a different light starts coming on in your home at the same time each day.
5. Ask neighbors to get your newspaper and mail.
6. You can also ask them to park in your driveway part of the time.
7. Large empty boxes should be folded up and placed in the trash so as not to attract attention from thieves looking for expensive items that can be found after the holidays.
   
   Committed to your safety,
   
   Al Abidin

P.S. Al, here's something wonderful for the holidays. Just for you! Check out our holiday sale by clicking here: http://www.hikuta.com/



Al Abidin Director, Cutting Edge Combat Hikuta: Self Defense for the real world! Since 1998. P.O. Box 404 Lakewood, CA. 90714 USA (866) 276-3350 http://www.hikuta.com