Holiday safety tips

CEBU, Philippines – During the holiday rush, certain risks arise. While going outside on errands, everybody's minds are often focused on their hundred-and-one tasks to do. At about the same time, bad elements are having their eyes fixed on everybody's bags and pockets.

It's true; pickpockets, snatchers and hold-uppers have a field day when everybody else is busy. They know too well that people rushing on the streets and pushing against one another at the stores only have one thing in their heads - just to be able to do what they set out to do. Now, such mindset provides criminals with an opportunity to ply their trade.

Thus, mindfulness is necessary in order to stay safe during the holidays. The following are worth remembering:

Do not bring valuables. Refrain from wearing expensive jewelries and bringing pricey gadgets. These are very attractive to criminals; jewelries and gadgets are so easy to sell and mean quick money.

Hug your bag. If it's necessary to bring a bag, place it in front of you. Although not a fool-proof measure, having your bag in front where you can see it definitely lessens the risk of it being slashed or snatched than when it is at your back or side.

In going to an automated teller machine (ATM), observe the following:

Withdraw only at an ATM where there is a guard. The sight of a uniformed guard repels criminals. Make sure also that the guard can see you as you leave the machine afterwards and into another safe place.

Don't bring too much money. Bring only an amount enough to cover your intended purchases, plus just a little extra for contingencies.

Spread your money in several pockets. If the money you have to bring totals to quite an amount, spread it in different places. Put something in your bag, in your wallet, in your side pockets, even in your socks if possible. If a pickpocket strikes, you are sure to have some amount left somewhere.

But authorities advise people to be realistic and have presence of mind, as much as possible. When criminals strike, it is important to weigh the possible loss - it can be money or the victim's wellbeing. If it looks like the attacker is willing to cause some serious harm, the victim might as well let go of a valuable or money. And the incident shall be immediately reported to the police afterwards.