As “Black Friday” kicks the 2017 year-end holiday shopping season into high gear, the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department encourage residents to shop locally, shop small, and shop safely.
Small Business Saturday, the day after Black Friday, is a national campaign promoting local small businesses during the year-end holiday shopping season. The Chamber urges SCV residents locals to Shop Small and at locally owned stores to help keep more of the proceeds in the community.
By shopping small, residents can share support for the spots they call their own, whether it’s the barbershop or even the one-stop garden supply store. Places like these keep the community strong and vibrant, potentially employing friends, family and neighbors.
The holiday shopping season is also a time when busy people can become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime, so the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department offers these safety tips:
• Always stay alert to your surroundings. Do not walk through a parking lot with your head down or looking at your cell phone.
• Avoid shopping at night whenever possible. If you must go out at night, bring a friend or a family member. If no one is available to go shopping with you, let a family member know where you are going and what time to expect you home.
• Dress casually and comfortable; avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
• Avoid carrying a large amount of cash. Keep cash in your front pocket.
• If possible, do not carry a purse or wallet. Carry only your identification card along with necessary cash, checks or credit card you expect to use.
• If possible pay for purchases with a credit card.
• Immediately notify the credit card company if your credit card was lost or stolen.
• Have your keys ready when you leave the store.
• Park in a well-lit area.
• Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion if danger presents itself.
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you for any reason. Many thieves will use different methods to distract you with the intention of taking your money or merchandise.
• Do not leave packages in plain view in your vehicle. Lock all your merchandise in the truck of your vehicle.
• If you place packages in your vehicle and plan to go back inside for more shopping, please consider driving away from your current parking spot so no one knows what valuable items you just left unattended.
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