The Munster Police Department offers the following holiday shopping safety tips:
• Do not buy more than you can carry. Plan ahead by taking a friend with you or ask a store employee to help you carry your items.
• Save all receipts. Print and save all confirmations from your online purchases. Start a file folder to keep all receipts together.
• Wait until asked before taking out your credit card or checkbook. A thief would love to shoulder surf to get your account information.
• Deter pickpockets by carrying your purse close to your body or by carrying your wallet in your front pants pocket. Keep your purse zipped up and slung in front of you. Never leave purses inside your shopping cart and never either hang them on your chair or set them on the floor in restaurants.
• Have your keys in hand when approaching your vehicle. Check the back seat and around the car before getting in.
• Do not leave packages visible in your vehicle. Lock them in the trunk or, if possible, take them directly home to help prevent thefts.
• If you are shopping with children, make a plan in case you get separated. Select a central meeting place and make sure they know that they can ask mall or store employees if they get lost or if they need help. Go over tips with your kids in regards to “stranger-danger” and keep small children near you at all times.