ISP shopping safety tips

As the holiday shopping season enters its busiest period, the Indiana State Police are urging shoppers to take precautions both in stores and online to protect themselves and their purchases from theft.

With "porch pirates" targeting unattended packages and shopping areas seeing increased foot traffic, law enforcement officials are recommending several strategies to keep gifts and personal information secure.

The Indiana State Police recommends shoppers remain alert and aware of their surroundings while shopping at brick-and-mortar stores. Key safety measures include:

• Park in well-lit areas and lock your vehicle
• Use extra caution when walking to and from your car
• Shop with a friend whenever possible
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; use checks or credit cards
• Never leave purses unattended in shopping carts
• Store purchases in your trunk, out of sight
• Keep your cell phone fully charged
• Ensure your vehicle is in good mechanical condition

Parents shopping with children should teach them to approach a store clerk or security guard if they become separated.

For those avoiding crowds by shopping online, state police recommend additional security measures:

• Use credit cards or PayPal for online purchases
• Verify websites are secure by checking for "https:" in the web address, not just "http:" — the "s" indicates encryption to protect your information
• Avoid clicking on pop-up links
• Keep malware software current
• Don't use public Wi-Fi for shopping

To prevent package theft, the Indiana State Police suggest:

• Don't leave packages unattended for extended periods
• Customize delivery locations to areas not visible from the street
• Install security or doorbell cameras
• Monitor delivery notifications closely
• Consider using porch lock boxes

Law enforcement officials emphasize that staying aware of surroundings is the most important safety tip.

Anyone who observes suspicious activity is encouraged to call 911 or contact the Indiana State Police.