Safe Shopping Tips for the Holiday Season

The holiday shopping season is here, and whether you're shopping the small businesses in Ferndale or heading out to an area mall, you'll want to keep some safe shopping tips in mind.

Ferndale Police Chief Tim Collins said at the Ferndale City Council meeting last week that he wanted to "remind residents and shoppers to be careful" and to put their packages and bags in their trunks, versus in the passenger seat or backseat where they are in plain view to the public.

For more safe shopping advice, local mall manager Catherine O'Malley - who runs Fairlane Town Center in Dearborn - offers these tips:

1. "Make sure you're comfortable," O'Malley said. She said she often sees Black Friday shoppers at the mall in pajamas and slippers. Is it comfy? Then go for it!

2. Stay hydrated and fueled. Plan out your meals or pack some snacks.

3. "Don't carry a handbag if you don't have to," O'Malley advises. Instead, keep all cards, cash and IDs in a wallet in your pocket, or a small purse that can be worn close to the body.

4. Do not—I repeat, do NOT—put your bags down. It's an open invitation for a would-be thief to snag some free gifts at your expense.

All in all, make sure that holiday shopping is as much fun as the gift-giving itself. Don't stress, and don't overdo it, O'Malley said.