BY NICKI MAYO
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Tis’ the season for shopping and unfortunately stealing. Recent bank robberies and church thefts have many Western New Yorkers on edge this holiday season. Area malls and shopping centers are reminding people to keep a close eye on their belongings. Security officials at the Boulevard Mall say it’s important to keep your valuables close to your body.
“Keep personal information, credit cards, social security cards in a known locations that you keep close,” said Boulevard Mall Security Director Robert McMahon.
“I think the reason we keep our purses on the table is so that we can see them,” said shopper Roberta Baker. The Ontario bargain hunter says she doesn’t put her bags near her feet because people could easily kick or take them.
“There’s money in it,” said fellow Canadian shopper Kelly Mazzotta. ”It’s the Christmas season and I have my passport in here.”
The mall food court is where many shoppers go to rest their feet and their bags. But security officials say make sure you’re resting those bags in perfect line of sight. Our cameras spotted several purses and shopping bags unattended, under chairs and near tables at the Boulevard Mall. Many valuables were away from the shoppers line of sight, but in perfect view for a bag snatcher. One bag sat on this chair unattended for 10 minutes. Some shoppers say they never take their eyes off their bags.
“When it’s here I know where it is. It’s safe. All my stuff is on me,” said Baker.
“Numerous times throughout the mall we’re picking up purses and coats that have been left behind. Especially by kids. they’re difficult to keep track,” said McMahon.
When it comes to keeping kids safe, parents should devise an emergency plan for your children in case you get separated.
“I go to a counter and talk to them and tell them I’m lost and my parent is lost. And then I tell them their name and they use the microphone,” said Charles Tabone. Shoppers should also avoid loading up vehicles with bags and big ticket items in plain sight of passersby.
“Make a plan to leave the parking lot and return those items home,” said Robert McMahon.
