Shopping Safe

Christmas lyrics remind us that, "It's the most wonderful time of the year."

But with more shoppers in stores for the holidays, sometimes criminal activities ramp up and Grinch our festive spirits.

The Canadian County Sheriff's Office, Mustang Police Department and Yukon Police Department have not received recent reports of shoppers, or their children being followed or stalked in stores.

However, there are discussions occurring between some area Yukon parents who have young children. They believe they've recently been followed in stores because their young children are being targeted.

It's always good to remember there is safety in numbers. In a store, there are more people around and as a result, someone is less likely to target individuals.

Shoppers are often more vulnerable in the parking lot, especially when they are alone and it is dark outside.

"We've had no reports of shoppers or their children being followed or stalked," Mustang Police Department Deputy Chief Mike Wallace said.

But local law enforcement encourages shoppers to be alert, and if they see something out of the ordinary, they need to say something.

"Tell somebody. Find someone who works at the store and point out the person who is making you feel uncomfortable for whatever reason,” Yukon Police Department Deputy Chief John Brown said. “If you think you are being followed or stalked, tell a store employee, 'I think I'm being followed by that person.' If you feel like you're being followed and you feel it is unsafe to walk from the store to your car, because perhaps it's dark outside, call the police, and we'll send someone as soon as we are able."

However, Brown suggested using local resources before calling the police.

"Start with the store where you are," Brown said. "You don't know. This could be the third or fourth time the manager has received a complaint about the person who is making you feel uncomfortable. Also, store managers have security cameras, and they can check and see if the person has been following other shoppers in the store."

Crime is all about victim opportunity — the opportunity to victimize someone, Brown said.

"It is the store's responsibility to keep their shoppers safe and create a positive shopping experience,” he said. “As the holidays approach, we ask all to be vigilant. Practice safe shopping habits, so you will have a positive shopping experience. If you notice something that doesn't look right, contact the manager of the store where you are shopping, or contact the police."