Take 5: Tips to stay safe while holiday shopping

If you hear someone say that Black Friday isn’t what it used to be, chances are they don’t shop in brick and mortar stores that day. Retail experts predict the day after Thanksgiving will — once again — be the single biggest shopping day of the year. The Saturday before Christmas (Super Saturday) comes in second, followed by the Saturday before Super Saturday.

We asked Memorial Hospital Chief of Police Craig Whitfield to “Take 5” and offer five tips to Beacon associates who might be holiday shopping over the Thanksgiving weekend, or really anytime this season. Here are some ways to ensure your safety in the hustle and bustle:

• The holidays are a busy time with many distractions. Always stay alert to your surroundings.
• Don’t look at your cell phone while walking to your car.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry when shopping. Don’t make yourself a target for thieves.
• Don’t leave your purse unattended in your shopping cart. Thieves love it when they don’t have to work that hard!
• Shop during daylight hours when possible. After dark, or in the early hours of the morning before the sun comes up, go with a friend or family member.