Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez:
As we look forward to Thanksgiving next week – and the upcoming holiday season – it’s a good time to remind ourselves of the true meaning of the celebrations.
Holidays are an important way to celebrate our strong bonds with family, close friends, and neighbors. They bring us joy and a sense of belonging and community. They give us a way to express what is important to us, connecting us and helping us cherish family and generations of traditions. ‘Tis the season!
We talked to our Community Engagement Division about the importance of taking precautions and being safe this holiday season. Black Friday kicks off the holiday shopping season. As you search for the perfect holiday decorations and gifts, have a game plan to shop safely.
With the excitement of buying and wrapping gifts, comes an opportunity for thieves to steal everything from your identity to the gifts under your tree. Don’t let the season of giving become the season of taking. Deputy Rivers shared online and in-person shopping safety and theft prevention tips for us to keep in mind:
Online Shopping Holiday
- Stick to retailers you know, and you’ve shopped with before.
- Research retailers you’re not familiar with or have not shopped with.
- Check web addresses, also known as URLs, to ensure they are secure by looking for the web address to start with “https” and the “lock” icon in the search browser.
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi while making online purchases.
- Save your receipts and monitor your bank account and credit activity, ensuring the costs of the items you purchased are properly reflected in your banking statements.
- Try to stick to using one credit card to make tracking identity theft and your purchases easier.
While in Your Car
- Be patient and take your time when you’re looking for a parking space.
- Be alert and watch for drivers speeding up to look for empty spaces.
- Park in well-lit, high traffic areas.
- Store shopping bags and goods out of sight.
- Lock your car doors and take your personal belongings with you in the store.
While in the Store
- Keep your purse or bag close to your body.
- Avoid putting your shopping bags and personal belongings in the cart – that’s the first place it will disappear from when you turn your back.
- If you carry a wallet in your pockets, keep it in your front pocket.
- If you’re shopping with children, identify the store personnel so they know who to ask for help.
- Don’t argue over store items, it can be dangerous and escalate to an assault.
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Follow the guidance of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and Harris County Public Health.
It’s easy to get caught up in grocery shopping, cooking, and Black Friday shopping, but Thanksgiving really is all about giving thanks. Take a moment to reflect on your blessings and remind yourself and others what you’re grateful for.
Thank you for the privilege to serve you as Harris County Sheriff and to lead an agency of devoted public servants who are committed to building safe and secure communities.
