CCSO Offers Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

Holiday shoppers aren’t the only ones focusing on stores at this time of
year.

Deputies will be in and around Collier County shopping districts throughout the
holiday season. They’ll be patrolling on foot, in cars and on horseback. They’ll
also be using the agency’s Skywatch Sentinel to help keep vigil over various
shopping center parking lots to keep shoppers safe.

Deputies have already been out reminding store managers to adjust parking lot
lighting if they’re planning to offer extended hours of nighttime shopping.

CCSO is also reminding the community to follow these holiday shopping tips:

• Shop during daylight hours when possible. If shopping at night, take a
friend or family member and park in a well-lit area.

• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.

• Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible. They are prime targets in
crowded areas. Keep cash in your front pocket.

• Avoid carrying large amounts of money.

• Be alert to your surroundings.

• Locate your keys and have them in your hand before you arrive at your car.