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Shoppers - Don't Be a Victim of Theft This Holiday Season!

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We all know the story - people go shopping on Black Friday and stow the deals in their vehicles.  Their arms are tired, but they are determined to finish their holiday shopping.  So they leave the comfort of the mall and run the bags of gifts to their vehicles.  They open the trunk, place the gifts they have shopped relentlessly for in the vehicle, close the trunk, and go back into the mall to finish up their shopping. 

What they don’t realize is that lurking in the shadows is, not one of Santa’s elves or reindeer, but a thief watching them put the purchases into their vehicles.  The thief waits and looks to see if anyone is watching.  If not, the thief approaches the vehicle, takes a crowbar or a retractable hole punch and smashes the window.  In about 15 seconds, the thief pops the trunk, signals help from friends, and clears out the vehicle in about 45 seconds - from start to finish. 

When the weary shoppers return to their vehicles, they are devastated.  All of the money spent on presents for family and friends are gone.  In addition, the thieves have cleared out all of the other valuables in the vehicles such as purses, wallets, lap tops, loose change, GPS systems, and cell phones.  All of it is gone.  The shoppers are left with disappointment and broken glass.

TIPS to avoid Being Caught by an gift thief:

1. Rent a locker in the mall for temporary storage of your purchases until you are ready to leave.  It may cost you a few bucks now, but could save you hundreds from the loss of purchases and glass replacement.
2. NEVER leave valuables in an unattended vehicle.  It does not matter if you have a 1989 Honda Accord or a 2012 Mercedes; a valuable in a vehicle is a valuable.  A GPS, laptop, or a Coach Purse, is valuable to the thief regardless of the vehicle they stole it from.  Remember, it does not take much to tempt a thief.
3. Be strategic where you park.  Be wary of parking next to a dumpster or bushes.  Park close to the mall entrance and in a well-lit parking lot when shopping at night.

 Unfortunately theft happens to consumers every year and it doesn’t just occur at the mall. As an auto glass customer specialist, I have heard dozens of stories over the years: everything from car break-ins at the mall to gifts being stolen out of the mini-van in the driveway. By using these tips, perhaps you can avoid being a victim of theft this holiday season.

Be sure to leave a comment with your anti-theft tips.  Also, check out our blog on auto glass insurance on the link below. Your holiday season will remain merry, if you have the right insurance coverage, even if you catch yourself in a troubling circumstance.

By Mary Lundgren

By Mary Lundgren

 http://www.glasstoday.com/blog/bid/99885/Zero-Dollar-Deductible-on-Your-Auto-Glass-Coverage-is-a-Good-Idea