Secure your safety while shopping this Christmas

As shopping centres begin to swell in the lead-up to Christmas, shoppers are being encouraged to be more vigilant about their personal security.

“The lead up to Christmas can be stressful and rushed so it’s easy to see why many of us tend to become a little complacent about our personal security when we’re out buying gifts for family and friends. No one wants to have to deal with stolen purses or purchases and with a little care these mishaps can usually be avoided,” says ADT Security’s Mark Norton.

Simple precautions include saving your most expensive purchase until last so you can take them straight home with you and always making sure you get your credit card back after each purchase. Unattended handbags and parcels can prove an irresistible temptation for would-be thieves so also remember to keep these items close to hand at all times.

“Remember, thieves shop too and quite often their activity is opportunistic rather than elaborately planned,” says Norton.

Beyond stealing, it pays to avoid ‘retail rage’ with fellow shoppers over being served first, securing the last toy on the shelf or even car spaces. Reports claim that 91 percent of people believe motorists are becoming more aggressive* and busy car parks are a common place for frustration to boil over.

“Unfortunately there will always be circumstances that might put a dampener on your festive spirit but by following a few simple tips you can do your best to avoid them,” says Norton.

ADT Security offers the following tips to shoppers this holiday season:
- Men should keep their wallet in their front pocket, not in the back. Women should make sure their handbag is securely fastened with the opening or zipper closest to the front of their body.
- Keep an eye on children at all times and make sure they know what to do if they get lost (such as telling the person behind the counter of the shop they are lost or not to move from that spot).
- Never leave your wallet, handbag or purchases unattended.
- Consolidate purchases into one or two large shopping bags so you can keep track of everything. Overloading yourself with too many packages also makes you more vulnerable. If necessary, use a trolley or make several trips to your car.
- Avoid placing purchases in clear view in your car. Always store purchases in your boot or well hidden within the vehicle.
- Have your keys ready before you reach your vehicle.
- Don’t park in areas that are badly lit or secluded.
- Never let your credit card out of your sight. Technology makes skimming the information from your card easier than ever.
- Carry minimal amounts of cash where possible.
- Scan the area surrounding an ATM carefully as your approach. Preferably use one that is in a well lit area. If you see anyone acting suspiciously or standing too close to you while you use the machine, come back later or find another ATM.

Media - for further information please contact:
Corrina Frankham or Nicole Gentle
Write Away Communication + Events
Ph: 02 9978 1400
Email: corrina@writeaway.com.au, nicole@writeaway.com.au

ABOUT ADT SECURITY
With more than a century’s worth of experience ADT Security is the world’s largest electronic security company, providing electronic security solutions to more than seven million residential, commercial and retail customers worldwide. ADT Security’s products include alarm systems and integrated security applications that link access control, CCTV, electronic article surveillance and source tagging systems. www.adtsecurity.com.au
Lic: VIC No. 65201491P | WA No. SA25942 | SA No. ISL152299 | NSW No. 405187443 | ACT No. 17501009 | QLD No. 3258669

*AAMI Annual Crash Index 2009