OMAHA POLICE

NEIGHBORHOOD ALERT !

PARKING LOT SAFETY

DURING HOLIDAY SHOPPING AND REVELRY

Before long, parking lots at shopping centers, banks, grocery stores and many other venues will be packed with holiday shoppers, rushing to do all of their early and last minute shopping before time runs out.  But holiday revelry can quickly turn to misfortune if you don’t put safety at the top of your list this holiday season.

QUOTE FROM POLICE DEPARTMENT

Here are a few simple rules to follow when walking through any parking lot.

·        Park Smart

ü      Park and walk in well lit, busy areas

ü      Stay away from over-grown bushes and trees

ü      Use valet parking or an attended garage if you are alone

ü      Shop at locations that have police and/or security patrols

·        Never display or "flash" your cash or valuable personal items. 

ü      If possible, don’t leave valuables (cell phones, electronics, GPS devices, jewelry, etc.) in car….put them in the trunk if necessary

ü      Don’t wear expensive jewelry while shopping or keep it to a minimum 

ü      Keep the amount of cash that you carry to a minimum…use credit cards

ü      Carry only one major credit card…if your wallet is stolen, you only have one card to report

ü      Carry cash in an unusual place instead of your purse or wallet

·        While walking through parking and public areas

ü      Pay attention to your surroundings, people and vehicles in the area

ü      Do not approach situations that do not feel safe

ü      Walk with confidence 

ü      Do not overload yourself with packages

ü      Carry your purse close to your body and your wallet in your front pocket

ü      Do not be distracted by talking on a cell phone or wearing headphones

ü      Help others by reporting suspicious people to the police or security staff

ü      Ask security to escort you if you feel uneasy

·        When you reach your car

ü      Have your keys in your hand and alarm panic button ready to activate

ü      Look into the vehicle and check for intruders before entering

ü      Continuously scan the area while loading children and packages

ü      Teach your children to enter and exit the vehicle quickly

ü      Roll up the windows and lock your doors as soon you get in the car

ü      Make it a habit to always start your vehicle and drive away immediately 

·        Approached by suspicious persons

ü      Be aware of strangers approaching you for any reason

ü      Do not be afraid to tell subjects to back off, scream for help, activate your car alarm  

ü      If you suspect that you are being followed, switch directions and immediately go to a well-lit area crowded with people

ü      If someone in a vehicle asks for directions ignore them or answer from a distance and keep walking – do not approach the vehicle

·        If you become the victim of a crime

ü      If approached by a subject with a weapon remember your life is worth more then the car and valuables

ü      Keep records of credit card numbers and contact information in an easily accessible place and immediately report them if stolen.  The quicker you report them…the less damage the robber can do.

ü      Call the police immediately to report the crime and provide detailed information.  Your actions can help prevent someone else from becoming a victim.

ü      Don’t leave your purse in the shopping cart and walk away while shopping, not even for a second.

Fitzpatrick, Bridget (OPD)