To help ensure the holidays are safe for you and your family, Sheriff David Davis and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office want to share the following important safety tips:
Parking Lot Safety Tips for Holiday Shoppers
- Always make sure to lock your vehicle and hide valuables, preferably in the trunk or locked compartment.
- If it is dark when you are out, park and walk in well-lit areas and carry keys in your hand.
- Stay alert to your surroundings and take a moment to look around for possible suspicious persons, vehicles, and/or situations.
- Prior to getting into your vehicle take a look inside and around before entering your vehicle. If anything looks suspicious or if your vehicle has been burglarized, call your local law enforcement agency.
- Keep your cellphone charged and with you while shopping.
When you’re out shopping for the holidays, stay alert to surroundings
- When in crowded places, be alert.
- Don’t overload yourself with packages.
- Be aware of what’s going on around you to avoid potential threats.
- Be wary of strangers approaching you for any reason.
- When possible, avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carrying large amounts of valuables.
- Never leave personal belongings unattended.
- As an added precaution, make sure you have a record of all your credit card numbers in a secure place at home in case they are ever lost or stolen.
Shop with Friends, there is safety in numbers
- Always remember there is safety in numbers. Plan to shop with friends and relatives instead of going out alone.
- Make sure everyone remains alert and looks out for each other.
Holiday safety tips for business owners:
- Keep your business well lighted at night, inside and out.
- Don’t block store windows
- Keep delivery doors locked and know who is on the other side prior to opening the door.
- Do not keep large sums of money in the store during store hours.
- Do not keep large sums of money in the store overnight.
If you see something suspicious call the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office at 478-751-7500, your local law enforcement agency, or 911.