Apex Security wishes you a happy holiday season and we would love to offer you security tips to keep you your family and friends safe!
Feeling and being safe for local commerce is important and we are happy to be a part of it. Please take a few moments to read simple security tips to live by to avoid being a victim of a crime especially during the busy holiday season.
- Avoid ATMs at night and in secluded locations. Always be alert and cautious when using ATM machines.
- Only carry small amounts of cash and only the credit cards you need.
- Carry your cash some place other than your wallet if you can secure it properly, like a deep front pocket.
- Make sure your purse is closed and never unattended, carry your bag or purse close to your body.
- Never leave your bags unattended when shopping or paying for an item. Keep your bags between your feet and the counter or the rack.
- Leave a shopping center long before closing time, you don’t want to be the only one in a dark parking lot.
- Park your car as close to the store entrance as possible and in well-lit areas. Avoid parking next to large vehicles, bushes, or dumpsters.
- Walk in areas that are open and well lit.
- If available, ask security to escort you to your vehicle if you are leaving late at night.
- Some people have tendencies to get into their cars and just sit balancing their checkbooks or checking lists. Do not do this. As soon as you get into the car, lock the doors and leave.
- Monitor every bill and bank statement for unauthorized charges and withdrawals. If you suspect identify theft, immediately call a consumer-reporting company, close the suspect accounts, and report it to the police.
- When getting into your car in a parking lot or parking garage:
- Be aware of your surrounding at all times.
- Have your car keys in your hand as you approach your vehicle for easy access.
- If you feel threatened, press the alarm button on your car remote. If the alarm goes off on the car, it will normally discourage would be perpetrators.
- Check around and inside your car as you approach it. Look at the car parked next to either side of your vehicle. If someone is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back to where you came from and have someone walk with you to your vehicle.
- If you notice a large flyer on your windshield after you get into your car, do not get out to dispose of it. Drive to another area to remove the flyer. Use of flyers is a common carjacking technique.
- Don’t take the stairs if you don’t have to, take the elevator.
- Use the buddy system if possible when shopping. There is safety in numbers.
- Keep your packages stored out of sight, cover with a blanket or put packages in the trunk of your car if you are going to continue shopping at another location.
- After opening large ticket items, break down cardboard boxes to avoid revealing your purchase of expensive electronics or other valuable items.