Black Friday safety tips from police
Posted Nov 29, 2019 05:07:00 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
With many in the region bargain hunting this Black Friday, Waterloo Regional Police are out with tips so your purchases get home safe and sound.
Constable Ashley Dietrich, Public Information Officer, says if you're heading out today, be wary on the roads as they expect some traffic delays.
“So we're just reminding motorists to slow down and be mindful of pedestrians, and also traffic as others are going to out shopping as well.”
Police also want to make sure that your bargain steals aren't stolen during the hustle and bustle of Black Friday. Dietrich say they encourage you to “keep your personal belongings close” and to “place your parcels out of sight, so it doesn't entice any thieves to break into your vehicle.”
They also remind shoppers to shield your PIN code when making purchases.
However, if you choose to forgo shopping in stores for the deals online, there are some things to keep in mind as well. Dietrich says “if the price looks too good to be true, it probably is.”
“Be careful when shopping online. If you're not familiar with the seller or the website, please read reviews and verify that it's legit.”
Police also expect parcel theft to be on the rise around this time of year. If you can't be home for the delivery, Dietrich recommends forwarding it to an alternate address, like a friend, family member, or neighbour.
If that isn't possible, she says try to “provide instructions to place the parcel at another door or out of sight,” or even require a signature on arrival. There are also options to track you parcel or even have it be held at the post office.
