It is easy to fall victim to pickpockets in shopping centres and at markets. “Let us try to avoid particularly crowded places while also paying attention to whether we have found ourselves in a so-called artificial crowd, where it is easy to lose a wallet,” officers say. “Let us remember not to display large amounts of cash when paying for purchases. We should ensure that our handbag is always at the front, within sight, while our wallet should be kept in a deeper front pocket. Do not leave valuables and documents in outer garments, which we are more likely to take off in spring and often place, for example, in a shopping trolley, from which we move away while shopping. Thieves are eager to take advantage of such situations.
They add: “We should also exercise increased vigilance and follow similar safety rules on public transport, as well as in car parks around shopping centres. We must remember to close the windows in our cars properly and not leave inside items that could tempt a potential thief. If we fall victim to theft, we should immediately report it to the nearest police station.
Moreover, before the holidays, many companies offer ‘quick cash loans’ for Christmas shopping. When deciding to take out such a loan, it is essential to check whether the lender is trustworthy and carefully analyse the agreement, interest rate and repayment deadlines in order to avoid later problems. “Let us remember that caution and applying the principle of limited trust will help us safely get through the pre-Christmas shopping rush,” the officers stress.