Lexington Families Embrace Holiday Shopping While Prioritizing Safety Precautions

Lexington Families Gear Up for Holiday Shopping While Staying Safe

Welcome to the Holiday Season!

In Lexington, South Carolina, the aroma of roasted turkey and pumpkin pie is fading into delicious memories as families come together to celebrate the Thanksgiving weekend. With the smell of the last few holiday meals still wafting in the air, many folks are already switching gears, diving headfirst into the bustling holiday shopping season. But as the excitement ramps up, so do the concerns about safety and security.

Stay Alert, Stay Safe!

Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon is here to remind everyone that while we’re busy counting down the days until Christmas, it’s equally important to keep our guard up. “This time of year always brings concerns for safety and security,” he said. “The holiday season could make you a prime target for crooks looking to steal your money, your merchandise, or even your identity.”

Essential Safety Tips for Holiday Shoppers

While the thrill of snagging the best holiday deals can be exhilarating, it’s crucial to remember some simple safety precautions. Sheriff Koon shared a list of practical tips to help make your shopping trip safer:

• Shop with a buddy! A single shopper is the best target for theft, so always try to bring along a friend or family member.
• Stay connected – let someone know where you plan to shop and the time you expect to return. Share details like what you’re wearing and what car you’re driving.
• Keep your cash in your front pocket, rather than a purse or wallet, to make it tougher for pickpockets.
• Keep car keys tucked away in a pants or jacket pocket. If your purse goes missing, you’ll still be able to drive back home!
• If you feel uneasy walking back to your vehicle alone, don’t hesitate to find a security guard to help you out.

Guarding Your Financial Information

As the hustle and bustle of shopping can lead to oversights, Sheriff Koon also highlighted the importance of protecting your financial information. “Busy holiday shoppers can become careless and vulnerable to financial fraud crimes,” he said. Here are some helpful ways to keep your accounts safe:

• Always keep a close watch on your credit and debit cards. Get them back as quickly as possible after you use them.
• Never, ever write your PIN on your card.
• Don’t leave your cards or receipts lying around unguarded.
• Shield your cards when using them, so others around you can’t copy the number or snap a picture.
• Only take the cards you absolutely need for your shopping trip.
• Make sure to shred anything with your card number on it.

Gift Cards – A Double-Edged Sword

Gift cards are a hot item this holiday season but be cautious! “Gift cards have become popular holiday presents in recent years,” Koon noted. “But they’ve also become popular tools for bad guys to take money out of your pockets and bank accounts.” To keep yourself protected when purchasing gift cards, keep those safety tips in mind!

Contacting Authorities for Help

Finally, if you ever spot something suspicious while you’re out shopping, don’t hesitate to pick up your phone and dial 911. For any fraudulent financial activities, you can reach the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department at 803-785-8230. Let’s keep our community safe and enjoy the holiday season to the fullest!

Happy and Safe Holidays!

As you gear up for this exciting time of year, just remember: a little caution goes a long way in ensuring your shopping trips are merry, bright, and safe. Happy Holidays, Lexington!