Sheriff’s Office Offers Tips on Black Friday Safety

As if the recent string of purse snatchings wasn’t enough, the shopping crowds which are ten times their normal size means more opportunities for criminals.

So the Hamilton County Sheriff’s office shared with News 12 some things the public can do to make holiday shopping safer for all.

Cars and those vast parking lots are a place to start.

"The parking lot is where the largest amount of thefts occur," said Matt Lea with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. "We want to make sure when you bring your packages to your car, don’t ever leave them in plain sight. Put them in a back seat if you have tinted windows or in the back of your SUV."

And with some stores opening in the middle of the night, shopping in groups is safest.

"Always shop with a friend or a family member," Lea said. "Don’t ever get in your car especially after dark without checking the back seat. You never want to get into your car if there is a suspicious looking van sitting next to your car."

Officers say to pay with cash discreetly and to always guard your credit card and PIN information.

"Carry your purses over your shoulder so it fits tighter to your body. And men should always carry their wallet in their front pocket," said Lea. "It’s easier to feel if someone is trying to pick pocket them."

But perhaps most important is the safety of children in these crowds and confusion.

So the sheriff’s office has made ID cards for your kids that can be printed and filled out.

"We want to encourage you to have some sort of identifiable ID placard that talks about who your child is, has a picture and an address so that if your child was to get lost, you have an immediate photograph you can supply law enforcement."

And as always, officers remind the public to never drive drunk.