Stay Safe While Holiday Shopping – A Commentary from Bedford’s Violence Prevention Coalition

By Daniel Martin, Director of Public Safety at Middlesex Community College

As we officially kick off the holiday shopping season, please keep the following in mind to make it an enjoyable and safe time!

• Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.
• Dress casually and comfortably.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
• Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• Keep cash in your front pocket.
• Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.
• Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
• Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, transportation terminals, bus stops, on buses and other rapid transit.
• Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
• Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, con-artists may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.
• Don’t leave car phones, purses, CD cases, or any other item of value in your parked car where they can be seen. Always conceal these items.
• Don’t leave purchased merchandise in your parked car where it can be seen. Conceal these items also.
• As you return to your car, make sure to keep your car key in your hand.

Criminals are constantly surveying the environment for an opportunity to commit crimes. Thieves will look for a running vehicle, an unsuspecting shopper who leaves their purse in the shopping cart. Stay Alert and Stay Safe! 

Keeping the Peace is sponsored by the Violence Prevention Coalition of Bedford, a representative group of citizens interested in ending violence in families, communities, and beyond.  Daniel Martin is Director of Public Safety at Middlesex Community College, a constituent member of VPC.

The VPC meets the first Tuesday of every other month at 8:00 a.m. at First Church of Christ Congregational, 25 the Great Road, Bedford.  For more information call 781/275-7951.