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(RNN) – Attention all shoppers: don’t forget the most important rule to late night shopping on Black Friday – safety.

Hidden in the crowds of people shopping for a great deal on the shopping holiday are thieves seeking to take advantage of others.

Several violent acts have taken place on Black Friday like stampedes, fights and shootings, and prompts shoppers to be wearier of one another. But it’s pickpockets who are more common and difficult to be kept at bay.

The National Crime Prevention Council has a list of safety tips for Black Friday shoppers to keep in mind for the midnight openings.

“Do not buy more than you can carry,” tip No. 1 said. “Plan ahead by taking a friend with you or ask a story employee to help you carry your packages to the car.”

Other tips include saving recipes and confirmation numbers if you’re shopping on Black Friday include: alternative payment options to carrying big bills, and having your keys ready when you’re leaving a store and headed to your car with your purchases.

The list also prompts preparedness for Cyber Monday – the big day for cyber purchases for the holiday season.

“Shop online with companies you know and trust. Check a company’s background if you are not familiar with it,” tip No. 2 says. “Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.”

BlackFriday.com and CyberMonday.com also have lists to aid shoppers in every way possible, and include coupons and lists of store that will have the best deals.

An estimated 140 million shoppers will take part of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales in 2013, according to the National Retail Federation.

Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 29. Cyber Monday is Dec. 2.

 

SOURCE: 19ActionNews.com

Article and Picture Courtesy of WOIO 19 Action News

Safety Should Be on Top for Black Friday, Cyber Monday Concerns  was originally published on wzakcleveland.com