Avoid Holiday Crime: Practical Tips for Staying Safe

The holiday season is here, and while it's a time for giving, it’s also prime time for criminals. Whether you're out shopping, running errands, or navigating crowded parking lots, the risk of becoming a target is higher than ever. In this episode of A Pirate Talks Guns, we’re sharing expert tips on how to avoid distractions and stay safe. Discover simple strategies for situational awareness, securing your belongings, and avoiding common scams. From parking lot safety to dealing with online fraud, this episode has everything you need to protect yourself and your family this holiday season. Listen in and make sure your holidays are filled with joy, not fear.

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Transcript

Welcome to A Pirate Talks Guns! Today we’re here to help you navigate the often tricky seas of personal defense and safety. We’re diving into a topic that’s more relevant than ever now that the Christmas holidays are upon us: how to avoid distractions in the digital shopping age and stay safe while you’re out and about.

 The holidays can be the most wonderful time of the year, but they can also bring a perfect storm of distractions. Whether you’re juggling shopping bags, scrolling through sales on your phone, or wrangling the kiddos, it’s easy to lose track of your surroundings. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what thieves and scammers are counting on. They’re prowling parking lots, watching distracted shoppers, and just waiting for their chance to strike.

 In this episode, we’re going to break down some practical ways to stay focused and avoid becoming a target. We’ll cover why situational awareness is your greatest weapon, give you actionable tips to keep you and your loved ones safe, and provide strategies you can implement immediately. So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s set sail on this safety adventure.

 Hey you scallywag, welcome to our A Pirate Talks Guns podcast, gun talk for the bold and unapologetic. I'm your host John Cello, the owner and lead instructor at The Tactical Pirate, a professional firearms training firm located in Anderson, South Carolina. I've been teaching people just like you to use firearms for four decades. I'm a former civilian law enforcement officer, and retired from the Army Military Police corps. We talk about all things guns here, from defense, hunting, and competition. Regardless of your skill level, you'll find something here for you. I'm glad you dropped by. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

 Not all criminals are opportunists. There are true professionals that target specific people or businesses for specific things. They have a carefully thought out, sometimes even rehearsed plan. The odds of the average person being targeted by a pro are very slim. What we are more likely to run into are the opportunists. These are the cretins that will break into your car to steal packages, grab your wallet or purse off your body, shoplift, or try to run online scams just to name a few of their ploys.

 The Christmas holidays present the opportunistic criminals with a baited field. Everyone is infused with the Christmas spirit, they’re overworked, stressed out, frustrated, and just downright worn out from planning, shopping, and cooking. It’s two weeks from Christmas, and they’re trying to fill that Christmas gift shopping list like meth addicted Jack Russel terriers. Lambs to slaughter, because the last thing on their minds is personal safety. 

 So how do we protect ourselves in the crowded stores and shopping online? The short answer is situational awareness. Now if you’ve ever been through one of my classes, or are a regular listener to this podcast, you can probably already hear the bat beating the dead horse as I push situational awareness. That doesn’t mean it’s any less true that the best way to handle danger is to avoid it, and to avoid it you have to recognize it and be able to take steps to avoid it or at least mitigate it. And unless you’re aware of your surroundings and what’s going on around you, you won’t see it until it’s too late.

 When I was in law enforcement, the common refrain from most victims of assault was “He came out of nowhere.” Now, my investigations never, not once, led me to the conclusion that Gumby was responsible for these attacks. Obviously the assailants didn’t “come out of nowhere”, they were there, the victims just didn’t pay attention and see them coming. So, how do we keep ourselves safe and undistracted?

 Let’s start with the obvious: our phones. Don’t get me wrong; I love technology as much as the next person. Smartphones make life easier, especially during the holidays. You can find the best deals, track your packages (unless you’re using the post office), and even order your Aunt Sally’s gift from the parking lot. But that convenience comes at a cost—your attention.

 Let’s go shopping, and see what you need to put into effect to make your trip safe and productive.

 Parking lots are hotspots for crime during the holidays. To stay safe, start by choosing your parking spot wisely. Always park in a well-lit, high-traffic area. Avoid secluded spaces, even if they’re closer to the entrance. If you have packages in your car, keep them out of sight. Toss a blanket and pillow over them. This will hide your packages while giving the impression the blanket and pillow are there for a child to sleep on, not camouflage. Don’t give the bad guys and gals a reason to break into your car.

 Your belongings are another key focus. Thieves are opportunists, and visible valuables make you an easy target. To deter them, always secure your items before leaving your car. Put shopping bags, purses, and electronics in the trunk or under a cover in the backseat. Do this before arriving at your destination to avoid tipping off any potential observers.

 When you arrive, take a moment to scan the area. Look for any individuals loitering nearby. If you see something that raises your internal alarms, trust your instincts and choose another spot. Safety is worth the extra steps, and you’ve probably been hoovering up sweets at the various parties you’ve been to. A little calorie burning cardio is good for the soul.

 When you’re out shopping, use a crossbody bag or backpack that keeps your hands free. Avoid overloading yourself with bags—being weighed down makes it harder to react quickly if needed. Planning your trips to reduce the number of bags or trips can also help you stay more in control.

 Consider investing in a secure handbag or wallet with anti-theft features like slash-resistant straps or RFID blocking. These tools can add an extra layer of security to your holiday outings.

 Establish a habit of situational awareness. Put your phone away before you start walking. If you need to check a message or look at directions, stop in a safe area, like inside the store, before continuing. This small change keeps your attention on your environment and makes you less appealing as a target.

 A helpful tip is to practice the "10-Second Scan." Before you step out of any building, pause and take a quick look around. Note exits, observe the parking lot, and identify any potential concerns. This habit helps you stay a step ahead. Don’t be afraid to make eye contact with people as you look around. Opportunists look for the easy targets. The simple act of making eye contact with them is often enough for them to bypass you and look for another, less aware target.

When returning to your car, have your keys ready before you leave the building. This reduces the time you spend searching for them in the lot, which is when many people are most vulnerable. Also, don’t hesitate to ask store security for an escort if you feel uneasy. It’s a simple precaution that can make a big difference. Your keys in your hand can also be used as a defensive tool should you be assaulted. Primitive, yes. But a hell of a lot better than, say, blowing into a conch shell in hopes Aquaman would rescue you.

 When you’re walking to your car, arms full of shopping bags, or navigating a crowded mall, it’s critical to keep your head up. The few seconds you spend looking down at your phone could leave you unaware of your surroundings, which is exactly what criminals are counting on.

 Another proactive measure is to minimize your time spent loading items into your car. Place bags in the trunk or out of sight quickly, and avoid rearranging things in the parking lot. The less time you’re distracted, the safer you’ll be. Secure your packages quickly, then secure yourself. Get in, close and lock your doors.

 Finally, personal safety tools like a whistle, personal alarm, or pepper spray can provide an extra layer of protection. Make sure you’re familiar with their use and keep them accessible whenever you’re out. My choice for a personal safety tool is a double stack forty five semiautomatic. If concealed carry is legal in your state, do whatever it takes to carry legally.

 Let me take a minute here to let you know where you need to go for your next holster. Brittany and Nathan are the artists behind Parker's Custom Leather. I regularly carry a 1911 in a leather holster trimmed with stingray skin that is absolutely beautiful. Holsters are custom molded to the particular firearm, and the finish and detail are outstanding. And they're more than holster makers. Need a custom belt? No problem. For you equestrians, they make all the tack you'll need, from bridles to breast straps. (I had to look that up. It was not what I had thought.) Give their Facebook page a visit and look at some of their work. I'll put the link to it in the show notes. Then give this veteran owned business a call and see what they can do for you.

 The holiday season is prime time for scammers. They know people are busy, distracted, and often in the spirit of giving, which makes them more vulnerable to fraud.

 Online, be cautious of emails and messages claiming to be from package delivery services. Scammers often use fake alerts to trick you into clicking malicious links. Instead of clicking, go directly to the carrier’s official website to verify the information.

 In person, beware of fake charities. If someone approaches you for donations, ask for identification and verify their organization. Genuine charities will have proper credentials and won’t pressure you into giving on the spot.

 Another scam to watch for is the "too good to be true" deal. If you see an offer that seems unrealistic, take a moment to investigate. Research the seller and reviews before making a purchase. Scammers often rely on impulse buys to trick their victims.

 If Amazon and similar online stores are going to be your primary Christmas elf, and you plan on making online purchases from vendors you’ve never dealt with before, consider getting a reloadable credit card. Research your purchases first, then purchase the card loaded with just enough on it to cover the purchases. (Remember to get enough to cover taxes and shipping fees to keep you from having to run back and buy another card.)

 If you deal with an unscrupulous seller, the most you’ll be out is the money from the card. They  won’t have any kind of direct line into your bank account.

 Some of the most common scams are:

Phishing - A scammer sends a message that appears to be from a legitimate organization, such as your bank, and asks for personal information like your Social Security number or credit card number. 

E-commerce scams - When you buy something online, you only have the seller's word that you'll receive the item. 

Employment scams - Scammers use enticing lures to target people who are unemployed, and may collect personal information from employment forms. 

Lottery scams - You receive an email claiming you've won a lottery, but you'll need to pay a fee to claim your prize. 

Romance scams - A scammer may use an online dating service to build trust with a victim, and then ask for money. 

Grandparent scams - Scammers pose as a grandchild to trick elderly people into giving them money. 

Identity theft - Criminals can obtain information to steal your identity from many sources, including your trash, wallet, or the internet. Consider buying a shredder so you can shred documents that have your personal information on them.

 Here are some tips to avoid internet scams: 

Don't share personal information or money with anyone you don't know or trust.

Use strong passwords that are a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters.

Be careful who you connect with on social media, and use the privacy and security settings to stay safe.

Don't respond to phone calls that ask for remote access to your computer.

Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.

 Alright, we’ve covered a lot today. Let’s recap:

 1. Keep your phone in your pocket and your eyes on your surroundings.

2. Park smart, choosing well-lit and high-traffic areas.

3. Secure your valuables out of sight, and keep your hands free.

4. Stay vigilant against scams, both online and in person.

 The holidays should be a time of joy, not stress. By staying aware and implementing these tips, you can enjoy the season without falling prey to criminals.

 At The Tactical Pirate, we offer the NRA Refuse To Be A Victim course. If you are a member of a church or organization that would be interested in having this seminar conducted at your place of business or worship, contact us. I’ll put a link to the class in the show notes.

 If you found today’s episode helpful, do me a favor: subscribe so you never miss a new episode of A Pirate Talks Guns. And if you know someone who could benefit from these tips, share this podcast with them. Let’s spread the word and keep our community safe this holiday season.

 This will be our last episode of the year. The madness that is commercial Christmas is pretty much taking over any spare time I may have had.

 Have a safe and Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Thanks for tuning in, and I’ll catch you again in 2025.