How to Stay Safe While Hunting for Black Friday Bargains
By: Kellie Bartoli
Updated: November 21, 2012
One of the biggest shopping days of the year is this Friday.
But with so many people cramming into stores - and stress flying off the shelves - officials are gearing up the midnight madness.
It's the most wonderful time of the year, and law enforcement wants to make sure you're getting your holiday shopping season off to a safe start.
Shoppers to your mark, and let the bargain hunting begin.
"It's huge. Obviously the customer wants to be out here so we're opening our doors and we're all geared up," said Kim Ingalsbe, general manager of the Honey Creek Mall.
Dozens of stores inside the Honey Creek Mall are opening at midnight, and while Black Friday bargains are on the top of everyone's list, shopper safety is also a priority.
"And the troopers that work out of our district, they live here, they shop here, they know when the busy times are and will be prepared as well," said Indiana State Police Sgt. Joe Watts.
Last year was the first time the mall opened at midnight, ad even though shoppers were elbow-to-elbow, no one left with a black eye. And that's the tradition they want to carry on.
"We'll have extra security and the parking lot lights will be on," said Ingalsbe.
Watts adds, "Be ever vigilant walking to and from your vehicle to your shopping destination. That seems to be one of the hot spots for someone wanting to target you as a victim of theft."
Law enforcement also says there's strength in numbers - "Make sure you're shopping with friends or family and you're less likely to be a victim of theft," said Watts.
And keep your hot deals under wraps.
"It has been common here in the Terre Haute in the past that thieves will quickly break out a window, reach in, snatch a few items and make a clean getaway," warns Watts.
And you don't have to be a night owl to cash in on the door busters. There are still plenty of early bird specials if you're more comfortable in the morning light.
"Nothing takes the place of you paying attention at all times," reminds Sgt. Watts.
Ingalsbe adds, "It's just a way to kick off the season. They're projecting a four-percent increase, so where anxious to see what happens. The lights are twinkling in the mal...it's just going to be a fun night."
Officers also say plan your shopping route beforehand, and leave the extra credit cards you won't need at home.
Carry your cash in different pockets, don't flash all your cash at the register - and above all, have fun and be patient.
For a list of the Honey Creek Mall stores opening at midnight, click here.
But with so many people cramming into stores - and stress flying off the shelves - officials are gearing up the midnight madness.
It's the most wonderful time of the year, and law enforcement wants to make sure you're getting your holiday shopping season off to a safe start.
Shoppers to your mark, and let the bargain hunting begin.
"It's huge. Obviously the customer wants to be out here so we're opening our doors and we're all geared up," said Kim Ingalsbe, general manager of the Honey Creek Mall.
Dozens of stores inside the Honey Creek Mall are opening at midnight, and while Black Friday bargains are on the top of everyone's list, shopper safety is also a priority.
"And the troopers that work out of our district, they live here, they shop here, they know when the busy times are and will be prepared as well," said Indiana State Police Sgt. Joe Watts.
Last year was the first time the mall opened at midnight, ad even though shoppers were elbow-to-elbow, no one left with a black eye. And that's the tradition they want to carry on.
"We'll have extra security and the parking lot lights will be on," said Ingalsbe.
Watts adds, "Be ever vigilant walking to and from your vehicle to your shopping destination. That seems to be one of the hot spots for someone wanting to target you as a victim of theft."
Law enforcement also says there's strength in numbers - "Make sure you're shopping with friends or family and you're less likely to be a victim of theft," said Watts.
And keep your hot deals under wraps.
"It has been common here in the Terre Haute in the past that thieves will quickly break out a window, reach in, snatch a few items and make a clean getaway," warns Watts.
And you don't have to be a night owl to cash in on the door busters. There are still plenty of early bird specials if you're more comfortable in the morning light.
"Nothing takes the place of you paying attention at all times," reminds Sgt. Watts.
Ingalsbe adds, "It's just a way to kick off the season. They're projecting a four-percent increase, so where anxious to see what happens. The lights are twinkling in the mal...it's just going to be a fun night."
Officers also say plan your shopping route beforehand, and leave the extra credit cards you won't need at home.
Carry your cash in different pockets, don't flash all your cash at the register - and above all, have fun and be patient.
For a list of the Honey Creek Mall stores opening at midnight, click here.
