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Steps to ensure your family is safe while doing holiday shopping

Posted at 5:53 AM, Nov 17, 2017
and last updated 2017-11-17 07:47:23-05

As the Holiday shopping season approaches many of us are eyeing deals — but are thieves eyeing you, your personal data, or even your vehicle?

According to Consumer Reports, 1 in 10 personal thefts happen in parking lots. 

There are simple steps you can take to ensure that you, and your family, is safe as you head into nearby shopping malls and retail big box stores.

You’ll typically hear about locking your car, parking in a well lit area and making sure you stick in crowds — but have you actually checked to ensure your doors all lock when you hit the button on your vehicle? If you have an older vehicle have you checked to make sure all the doors are locked before you rush inside? A few simple checks before you head out the door could help out if a would-be thief tries to check your doors one by one.

If you have trouble with finding your car after you park a simple technique can cutdown on the time you’re in the parking lot, and the likelihood of someone choosing you as a target: take a picture of where you parked!

Many shopping areas have labeled light posts that will help you — but if they don’t you can also drop a pin on the GPS driving app ‘Google Maps.’ It will ensure that you know exactly where you’re heading — which can also help you avoid wandering a cold parking lot this winter.

LINK: https://youtu.be/KgGMzvYGiSs

You can find more strategies to keep yourself safe in parking lots by checking out Consumer Reports lists of ways to reduce: