1. Park Close to the Entrance and in Well Lit Areas.
Parking in high traffic areas such as near a mall entrance will deter thieves since they don’t want to chance anyone walking by. During the holidays, you’re lucky to even get a spot at all.Your next safest bet is to park near or under the bright lights – would be thiefs will feel like they’re in the spotlight and will be more likely to look for an easier target. If the mall you shop at has a security detail, try to park near them.
2. Lock Your Doors, Set Your Alarm
If you don’t, you may as well just give your items away. Car locks and alarms are your first line of defense: an open door provides the perfect opportunity for a thief to get in your car with little or no effort or detection.
3. Shop First, Buy Later
Consider finalizing purchases on your way out of the mall. Make a plan before hand of all the stores you’ll want to revisit to pick up larger or hard to carry items. Otherwise your options are to take packages to the car (with the possibility that thieves may be stalking the parking lot), or carry around lots of bundles that can easily be set down and forgotten or dropped unnoticed.
4. Hide Valuables Left in Your Car
If you must store gifts in your vehicle, make sure the items are well hidden in shopping bags or unmarked bags that camouflage the item’s true value. Store as many purchases as possible in the trunk, covered under blankets. Always look around while you are doing this. BE AWARE !
