INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) wants to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable holiday season. To that end, the IMPD plans to supplement existing patrols and take extra steps to protect shoppers at area retailers. Officers in marked vehicles, on mountain bikes (dependent on weather conditions), and on foot, will conduct high visibility patrols during peak shopping hours throughout the day and evening
Shopping malls and other high traffic areas around the city will also see an increased uniform presence to ensure that no matter where you are in Indianapolis, you can have a safe and enjoyable experience.
The following simple safety precautions will help protect you from theft, fraud or other criminal activity and ensure you enjoy the holiday season.
Holiday shopping:
• Stay alert and be aware of what’s going on around you.
• Park in a well-lighted space, and be sure to lock the car, close the windows, and hide shopping bags and gifts in the trunk or cover them with a blanket or rear cover if in an SUV or van.
• Make eye contact with every person in the parking lot on your way to the vehicle. Because a potential thief doesn’t want to be seen, this makes you a less desirable target.
• Have the keys to your vehicle in hand before walking out of the store. This will prevent you from having your attention diverted digging around for keys.
• Stay off your phone while walking. Talking or texting while walking diverts your attention and makes you a more accessible target.
• Deter pickpockets and purse-snatchers. Don’t overburden yourself with packages. Be extra careful with purses and wallets. Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; pay with a check or credit card whenever possible.
• Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If shopping at night, go with a friend or family member.
• Shopping with kids? Teach them to go to a store clerk or security guard if you get separated.
Package deliveries
• Request a signature confirmation of delivery. By doing this, the deliverer will have to wait until you’re available or else deliver the package to an at-home neighbor.
• Insure valuable items.
• Encourage trustworthy neighbors to watch for deliveries and agree to secure each other’s packages. This includes being watchful for any stranger who is going onto porches or following delivery trucks.
• If you have an understanding boss, have your packages delivered to your office.
• Track packages online to see exactly when they are enroute to your house. Take advantage of couriers’ text notification services letting you know when a package has been delivered.
• Provide special instructions for where to place the delivered packages. A good place might be on the side or back of the house so that the package is out of sight from the road.