Allied Universal shares shopping safety tips

IRVINE, Calif. — As the holiday shopping season hits its peak, consumers are at increased risk of their safety and security.

Allied Universal’s World Security report found that 51% of U.S. survey respondents said enhancing security for customers and reducing security risks such as physical, cyber and insider threats, are driving factors for adoption of advanced security technologies.

Additionally, 49% say adoption of advanced video, AI-powered video surveillance and AI-threat detection are crucial security technologies for the industry over the next two years. As a result, Allied Universal has shared its top ten safety tips for shoppers this holiday season.

Safety Tips for Holiday Shoppers:

1. Always be aware of your surroundings.
2. Shop during the day or at unpopular times. If you need to shop at night or during busy times, shop in a group with trusted friends and family.
3. Don’t shop ‘til you drop. Fatigue makes you more vulnerable to hazards and threats.
4. Shop at retail locations with visible security guards.
5. Know what to do in an emergency. Know the locations of exits, fire alarm pulls and hiding places like bathrooms and fitting rooms.
6. Protect your wallet and credit card information, especially in line to pay, to help prevent identity theft and credit card fraud.
7. Consider how much you’re buying at once and how you’ll get it home safely.
8. Park and lock your vehicle in a well-lit spot and allow extra time and patience in busy parking lots.
9. Don’t leave valuables or purchased merchandise in your vehicle where it can be seen.
10. If you find yourself in a dangerous or unsafe situation, try to get away as quickly and safely as possible. If you can’t do that, find a safe place to hide, or if you can’t do that, defend and protect yourself.