Crisp Co. Sheriff Hancock on holiday shopping do’s & don’ts

CORDELE, Ga. – Whether you’re buying gifts for someone else or shopping for yourself, it can be stressful around the time of holiday season. That’s why it’s important to still remember your shopper safety tips as Christmas approaches.

The Crisp County Sheriff’s Office has shared valuable safety tips to help ensure you stay secure.

These include letting your family know your plans, parking in well-lit areas, and staying aware of your surroundings. These simple steps can make a big difference in staying safe during the holiday rush.

“As the Sheriff of the county, it’s my priority to make sure the people in our community are safe. And, this is especially a busy time of the year, and a lot of things are happening during this time of the year. Everything from shopping to your home. When those things you need to take extra care with, I recommend to people when they’re out shopping that they make sure they don’t put presents or packages in the back of the car where they can be seen. Always put them in the trunk, and that will deter somebody from maybe breaking a glass in a shopping center at home. I want you to be, you know, conscious of what you do as far as your videos and things that you post on social media. Do you post your tree with all the presents around it dictating and showing people how much you have that would entice somebody, maybe to break into your home,” said Sheriff Billy Hancock, Crisp Co. Sheriff’s Office.

Safety is always important at home, but it becomes even more critical when shopping during the holiday season.

In December, theft-related crimes in America increase by more than 20%.

“So, a lot of safety is about common sense. Walk in groups, don’t park in unlit areas of the parking lot. If you’re a female, make sure you’ve got your purse wrapped around you with a strap and not just in a hand where somebody could run by you and snatch that purse in there. Carry people with you, travel in groups, and that way you’re watching what you’re doing. Be careful of distractions. Not only do we worry about distracted drivers, but we also worry about people that are looking at their cell phone or shopping for that coupon at the moment, not looking around, not seeing who’s close to not seeing if somebody is watching them. So, all the things that you do as a person and using your common sense just tells you, hey, be careful out here. I’m aware of you. I see you. And, that itself will deter a lot of people from from wanting to make you a victim,” said Sheriff Hancock.

So, be sure to stay safe while shopping anywhere in south Georgia.

Gabe Hutton reporting.

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