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Community Roll Call

Members of the Wauwatosa Police Department's Community Support Division, with backup provided by the folks at WauwatosaNow.com, are now blogging. We will be providing you with an ongoing series of crime prevention tips, any current crime trends as well as pertinent news and notes as it relates to your Police Department.

Holiday Shopping Tips

By Don Semega

Nov. 4, 2009

The busiest retail day of the year, the Friday after Thanksgiving is just three short weeks away; and as such its time for the annual shopping safety tips to be posted. Please take the time to review the tips listed below and should you think of some additional tips, add them in the comments section or give me an email.

Ø Always park in a well lit area.

Ø Remember where you parked.

Ø Keep your car locked at all times.

Ø Walk with authority, always making eye contact with others.

Ø Have your keys in hand before leaving the building and returning to your vehicle.

Ø Shop with friends and travel in the same vehicle, it is much safer than shopping alone.

Ø Dress casually, comfortably and weather appropriate.

Ø Leave the expensive or even expensive appearing jewelry at home.

Ø Avoid carrying a purse if possible.

Ø If you carry a purse, drape it only over your shoulder and not around your neck.

Ø Take only the cash, credit cards and identification needed.

Ø If carrying cash, credit cards and identification on your person, keep it in your front pocket.

Ø Don’t flash large amounts of money around.

Ø Always double check to make sure you have your credit cards back.

Ø Never allow your credit card to leave your sight. If at a restaurant, pay with your credit card on the way out.

Ø Always be alert to your surroundings.

Ø Do not allow yourself to be overloaded with packages. Make several trips to your vehicle if needed.

Ø Never leave packages or anything of value in view in your vehicle.

Ø When returning to your vehicle, look around, inside and out of your vehicle before opening it up.

Ø If using an ATM, use one in a busy area, have a friend with you.

And from the Better Business Bureau, here are some online shopping tips.

Ø Shop only at Internet Merchants you know and trust. If in doubt visit www.bbb.org

Ø Beware of emails offering cut-rate prices, if it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is.

Ø Check the merchants refund policies before making a purchase.

Ø Make sure the merchant is using a secure server.

Ø Refrain from using a debit card or online check; this can expose your personal account to fraud.

Ø Always print and save any confirmation or order forms.

Ø Frequently check your accounts online, there is no need to wait for a paper statement.

Ø Your creditors will never initiate emails or phone calls asking for personal or account information, they already have that on file.

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