Atlanta Mortgage News

Quick Reminders of Store Safety

Although we'd like to believe the holidays bring out peace on earth and good will for all, the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day tend to be a prime season for criminals. During this busy time of year, you can take some easy precautions to prevent becoming a victim of theft. Consider the following safety tips:

When holiday shopping this week: 

• Put your shopping bags in your trunk and move the car if you can. Better yet, take your packages home after a shopping spree and then go back to the new stores.
• Don't carry large amounts of cash with you, or keep it in your front pocket not in your purse or wallet. Better yet, use your credit card for instant insurance if things are stolen. 
• Be extra careful when carrying a purse - they are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas. If you must carry one, make sure it has a strap that can go over the shoulder and be held under the arm, making them more difficult for purse snatchers to grab.
• Keep your receipts separate from the packages.  If things are taken, it is easy to determine what was taken.
• Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home and if they get stolen, after you call the card holder, reporting the theft to the three big credit bureaus  can be useful too.  They can put a lock on your credit so the fraud stops before it starts.  This can be very helpful when its time to get a mortgage!
• Beware of strangers approaching you.  Extended eye contact is your friend and so is the word no. You are allowed to have personal space in a public environment.

At home:

• When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.
• Leave a light on when you leave your home at night or put your lights (including Christmas lights) on an automatic timer.
• Make sure your holiday gifts are not visible through the windows and doors of your home.
• Never say you are away from home on the outgoing message on your answering machine or voice mail.

During the holidays, many people can become distracted then vulnerable to theft. These easy steps can protect yourself and your home from potential crime and ensure you have a safe and happy holiday season. Happy Thanksgiving!!