National Police Headquarters:

Caught up in preparations for the holidays, we often forget about safety. To ensure that the search for the perfect gifts passes calmly and safely, it is worth following several practical tips prepared by police officers from the Social Prevention Division of the Prevention Bureau of the National Police Headquarters.

  • What does the police advise?
  • Everywhere there are large crowds of people—meaning shopping centres, stores, markets and public transport—we should exercise particular caution. This is where most thefts occur. Pickpockets most often take advantage of crowds and our distraction
  • in particular, let us be careful in places such as railway stations, stops, stores and markets
  • if we are carrying a larger amount of money, let us not keep it all in one place. By dividing it and putting it in different places, we reduce the risk of losing all the cash we have
  • when paying for purchases, let us not show the entire contents of our wallet; it is safest to have the exact amount prepared in advance
  • let us not write the PIN on a payment card, and let us not display it in a visible place either
  • when shopping, remember not to keep documents, money or mobile phones in the back pockets of trousers or in the outer pockets of a coat or jacket
  • also pay attention to handbags, backpacks and shopping bags; do not leave them unattended
  • hold your handbag or backpack in front of you, with the fastening facing you
  • carry your apartment keys somewhere other than with documents showing your address
  • pay attention to commotion in a store, on a bus or in a market hall. While travelling or using public transport, try not to leave luggage unattended, as this risks not only losing our belongings but may also trigger an alarm by the services responsible for security
  • if we take children shopping with us, keep an eye on them so they do not get lost. If this does happen, quickly ask the staff of the facility where we are for help. (It is worth teaching children in advance that if they become separated from their parents or guardians, they should always return to the place where they last saw them)
  • we should also be alert when shopping online! Beware of unbelievable deals and very large discounts on equipment and products
  • each time, check the seller’s credibility, previous auctions and buyers’ opinions about them
  • try to make purchases with cash on delivery and pay after receiving the ordered goods.

The uniformed officers add:

As every year during the Christmas period, police officers will look after our safety. However, we encourage you, if you notice any disturbing situation or people behaving strangely, to immediately report this information to the relevant services.

Caution, vigilance and following safety rules while shopping—both in physical stores and online—will help avoid problems and enjoy successful gifts.