Over the past few years, the link between Thanksgiving eating and Christmas shopping has become stronger, both areawide and nationwide, as stores have their unofficial Black Friday on Thanksgiving.
Regardless of when you shop, Police Sgt. Lisa Sage says you should be mentally aware of your surroundings and use common sense to avoid being a crime victim. Sage says the easiest way to avoid trouble is, in a way, to keep your head up. Why? Criminals like an easy mark.
Make sure you lock your car before you head into a store. Once you return with your gifts, don’t leave them in plain view — either cover them or put them in the trunk.
If you’re shopping after dark, it’s not a bad idea to bring somebody else along. Sage also says if you’re shopping with children, make sure they know family names and numbers in case you get separated, and make sure they know where to go in case they get lost in a store.
Once you’re home, don’t leave the windows open because that advertises the potential haul for criminals. And after the holidays, be careful in how you dispose boxes because, again, those can serve as advertisements for what’s now in your home.
More tips are online on the Emporia Police Department Facebook page.
