Just in time for Black Friday — the biggest shopping day of the year during which everybody gets up at 4 a.m. to cram themselves in their local big-box store to get a .99 cent DVD player — the Memphis Police Department has launched “Operation: Jingle Bells.” To protect area shoppers from the inevitable increased criminal activity, officers will be patrolling retail centers and malls.
In addition, the MPD offers the following tips:
Leave purses at home or place them in the trunk of your vehicle before you leave
Be aware of your surroundings while walking to and from your vehicle
Avoid shopping alone
Park your vehicle in well lit areas
Do not count money while standing at an ATM machine or show lots of cash in the check-out line
Remove cell phones, lap top computers, briefcases and other items inside your vehicle
Secure packages in the trunk or other part of the vehicle where they cannot be seen
If a robber wants your wallet or purse, hand it over to prevent possible injury
Should you be involved in minor vehicle crash, do not exit the vehicle until a Deputy arrives to prevent a “bump and rob” scheme