Tucson Region

Make safe shopping a priority this season

With the holiday shopping season in full swing, police are urging shoppers who hit the busy malls and plazas to remember safety precautions as well as gift lists. While there weren't an overwhelming number of incidents of shoppers being victimized last year by car break-ins or robberies at Tucson's largest malls, police warn people to be on the lookout. Last December, police took three reports of larcenies from vehicles at Park Place mall, 5870 E. Broadway, and no reports of robberies. For the same month last year, police reported six larcenies from vehicles and one highway robbery at the Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle Road. The low numbers likely indicate shoppers are heeding police advice and keeping themselves safe, said Officer Kathy Wendling, a Tucson Police Department spokeswoman. One of the first recommendations police have is to heed the "safety in numbers" principle and shop with a partner. "Walking to and from the mall, you are more secure if you're with someone else," Wendling said. Raygan Lopez, 19, works at Tucson Mall and said she is always careful to travel with a friend, whether she's shopping or going to and from work. "Walk with a buddy. It's always the safest, especially during the holiday season with all of the money and presents around," Lopez said. And the presents? "Definitely don't keep them in the car, put them in the trunk," she said. "If they can see them, that's an invitation to break into the car." If parents are shopping for their children, Wendling said the best bet is probably to leave them at home. "You want to watch your children even more with the busy malls," she said. Parents should ensure their children know to go inside a store and tell a clerk if they become lost. When shopping, it's best to bring along just one credit card or just enough cash to cover what you plan to purchase. Leave other credit cards or excessive cash at home, and don't flash around the money you do have, Wendling said. Police also advise shoppers to avoid being overburdened when carrying packages to their cars. "If you have to make several trips while you're shopping, do that," Wendling said. "If you have too many packages and someone comes up to you, you can't protect yourself." Store packages in the car trunk or somewhere else where they're not visible to discourage break-ins, she said. When inside shopping center, keep close track of your purchases. When you're walking to and from a mall, be aware of your surroundings and observe who is walking near you, she said. William Gibes, 20, said safety is always on his mind at Tucson Mall, especially during the holidays. "My main concern out here is getting my car broken into," he said, adding that's he's careful to store packages in the trunk. Some people can be scared of shopping, especially crossing a parking lot at night, Gibes said. His answer is always having somebody else along, which makes the trip better anyway. With increased traffic, allow extra time while you're driving and remain courteous and patient, which also can "add to the pleasure of your shopping," Wendling said. Shopping safety ● Be aware of your surroundings. ● Don't shop alone. ● Don't carry more cash or credit cards than you need. ● Keep packages in a trunk or out of view in a vehicle. ● Don't become overburdened with packages. l Take extra care shopping with children and never let them out of sight. SOURCE: Tucson Police.