Crime & Safety
Protect Yourself and Your Purchases While Holiday Shopping
The hunt is on for the perfect holiday gift! Follow these tips from the Milpitas Police Department to guard your personal safety and protect your belongings while shopping.
It’s heartwarming to see loved ones' faces light up when they open your holiday gift.
Shopping for that perfect present can be a fun experience. But, there are precautions that you should take to protect yourself and your purchases while shopping.
Milpitas prides itself on being a safe community. In 2010, there were 1,461 cases of larceny or theft for the year, according to FBI statistics. This year, those numbers will be even better, said Sgt. Kevin Corvin of the Milpitas Police Community Relations Department.
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“We’ve seen a decrease in crime over the past year,” said Corvin. “We’ve worked with members of the community to maintain a safe city.”
For added safety, the police department maintains a substation at
Sgt. Corvin said, being aware of your surroundings is vital to your safety during shopping trips.
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The Milpitas Police Department has put together the following list of tips to help you stay safe while shopping:
1. Always park under a light - even if you begin your shopping during the day. Often a quick shopping trip can drag out and you find yourself walking to your car after dark. If you are already parked under a light, your car will be visible.
2. Theft from vehicles is a problem. Many times, people who are shopping for long periods will go back to their car to drop off purchases a few times throughout the day. This is not recommended - but if you are going to do it, put the parcels in your trunk or cover them with a blanket so they are not visible.
3. If you are shopping at night and have to walk alone to your car, ask the mall security to escort you to your car. When you walk to your car, hold your car keys in your hand and keep your head up, so you can scan your environment.
4. When you get to your car, look underneath as you approach and look in the back seat before you get in. If your doors or windows have any damage, don't get in the car. If people are hanging around your car, go back to the store and ask the manager or staff for help.
5. When walking inside the mall, pay attention to your surroundings.
Have a safe and happy holiday season, from your friends at Milpitas Patch!
