Black Friday is here, and that means millions of people will head out to the retail stores or the outlet malls to get the best deals on all their holiday shopping. But Black Friday also has a more sinister side, full of crime and violence. Today, we take a closer look at some crimes that are more common on Black Friday.
Black Friday Crimes
Here’s a list of some of the more common Black Friday crimes, and how you can stay safe.
Shoplifting – The most common crime committed on Black Friday (outside of speeding on the way to the store) is shoplifting. Retailers lose more than $32 billion to shoplifters and employee theft every year, and although stores have more employees working on Black Friday, it’s impossible to police everybody. It only take a few seconds to slip a pair of earrings in your pocket or a video game in your backpack. We don’t recommend it, and the fines can add up quickly.
Theft – This type of theft is much more serious and way scarier for the victim. Criminals know that Black Friday is a time for people to stock up on some of the best electronics or gadgets on the market, and it’s not difficult to attack a defenseless victim with a shopping cart full of goods, especially if it’s in the dark early morning hours. Feel free to ask an employee to walk you out to your car, shop with friends and park in a well-lit area. If you’re really worried, it doesn’t hurt to carry around a small bottle of pepper spray.
Drunk Driving – Did you put a few too many beers back at Thanksgiving? If you’re waking up early to go shopping, or you are hitting the stores on Thanksgiving night, you might still have alcohol in your system. If you’re not careful, you might be over the legal limit. Cops are conducting extra DUI patrols throughout the remainder of the weekend, so don’t get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking.
Grand Theft Auto – Grand theft auto is a crime of opportunity, so don’t give thieves that opportunity by leaving the keys in your car or your car running when you duck into a store. Similarly, make sure you lock your car doors. If you don’t, you might come back to an empty car. Don’t make your car an easy target.
Identity Theft – This is more for those of you who prefer to do your shopping on Cyber Monday, but if you’re buying online, be smart about where you shop. Only buy from trusted retailers, and if a site seems sketchy, buy from somewhere else. Also, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t give your credit card information to any websites you don’t trust.
