Safe Shopping

People shop more at this time of year than at most other times. When you’re out with your family or other trusted adults, you can help prevent crime by making sure you remember a few important tips. Have your parents or guardians read this page with you and talk about it together when you’re done.

Keep careful track of all your bags and other packages. If you leave one behind, it could get stolen.
Tell a security guard or someone who works at the store if you see a bag or package that doesn’t seem as if it belongs to anyone.
Be sure not to buy more than you can carry safely; it’s very hard to walk when you can’t see. If you need to buy a lot in one place, divide it up with the rest of your family, or see if someone who works at the store can help you carry it to your car.
Know your home phone number and address, and your parents’ work and cell phone numbers, or write these numbers on a card and carry it with you.
Have a plan if you get separated from your parents. Know where to meet them and how to get in touch with them if you can’t find them.
Be careful of strangers. If someone you don’t know offers anything to you or asks you to go somewhere with him or her, run away and tell your parents or a trusted adult immediately.

Keep these tips in mind and have fun shopping with your family. To learn even more, go to strangers and other dangers and holiday fun. You can also play these great games: