Shoppers urged to be safe on Black Friday

Military museum, fire taxes approved by Terrebonne voters
November 25, 2015
Boil water advisory for North Lafourche
November 30, 2015
Military museum, fire taxes approved by Terrebonne voters
November 25, 2015
Boil water advisory for North Lafourche
November 30, 2015

Local law enforcement agencies are warning holiday shoppers to beware of naughty criminals this holiday season.


“Thieves and scammers see this bustling holiday shopping season as a target-rich environment filled with unsuspecting consumers,” Lafourche Sheriff Craig Webre said.

Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s deputies have beefed up patrols in and around shopping centers and retail outlets and will continue through the shopping season.

Law enforcement officials recommend shoppers be aware of where they park their vehicles. They advise shoppers to park in well-lit areas away from dumpsters or larger vehicles, which can provide potential hiding places for carjackers. Don’t leave spare keys in the vehicle or leave it running unattended.


Law enforcement officers are also urging people to keep valuables that are in the car out of sight.

“If you’re doing shopping at multiple different locations, remember to always put anything that you buy in areas such as the trunk, or underneath the seats or in the center console,” said Trooper First Class Evan Harrell, spokesman for Louisiana State Police Troop C. “Never leave something visible such as valuable gifts, cellphones, wallets, purses or anything like that in plain sight because a lot of the break-ins during the holiday season happen in mall parking lots.”

Shoppers are urged to shop with a friend or relative and to leave children with a sitter if possible. According to the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, criminals are more likely to target someone who is shopping alone.


When returning to their vehicle, said Det. Malcom Wolfe with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, shoppers need to be aware of their surroundings.

“If people have any reason to believe that they’re not in a safe environment, [call the sheriff’s office] to have the deputies come by and walk them to their vehicle,” he said.

Shoppers are also advised to beware of strangers who approach them for any reason. According to the LPSO, “con artists may try various ways to distract your attention with the intention of stealing your money or belongings. Be wary of anyone approaching you needing ‘quick cash’ or offering you a large check for a smaller amount of cash. You’ll likely end up holding a bad check.”


Shoppers are being told to withdraw only the cash they need from ATMs and to keep it in a front pocket instead of a wallet or purse. Wary shoppers ought to keep their pin numbers private by shielding it from bystanders’ view when entering it into keypads.

Law enforcement officers also urge the following:

• Ensure gifts and merchandise are not visible from outside the residence.


• Break down large boxes for high-value items and place inside trash bag and/or receptacle.

• Avoid posting social media updates indicating you are not at home.

• If out of town, ask a neighbor or friend to check on your house daily, picking up mail and newspapers to avoid the appearance that no one is home.


“For those shopping the early deals before Thanksgiving, remember that these criminals aren’t bound by the holiday. We ask that you employ any and every method to protect yourself while shopping at any time, but especially during this time of year,” Webre said. •

Best Buy employee David Milstead hands holiday shopper Randi Ruiz a laptop she is about to purchase.