Flash Mob Security
Flash Mob-Robbery Security Tips Over the past holiday weekend we’ve seen a number of flash mobs that have devolved into brazen robberies. The SF and LA metro area have seen a number of these, some with violent encounters, but they have also occurred throughout the country.Flash robs operate using speed and sheer numbers in order to intimidate any resistance and complete the act before police can respond. The term often used by the media for this type of event is "flash rob", which originates from flash mobs, where a group of people assemble quickly, perform an unusual and seemingly pointless act, and then disperse.Below are some basic tips to help you prepare and recognize these events, should you encounter one: Managing the Situation as a Shopper
Whatever the situation, put safety first.
Take note of any large gatherings of people around the store.
Gather evidence—pay attention to the characteristics of the robbers, and pay attention to what they are taking.
Share information with local law-enforcement agencies.
Nine Smart Shopping Tips
Park close to your destination, in a well-lit area and lock packages in the trunk, out of sight.
Carry your purse close to your body and stow your wallet inside a zippered pocket.
Report any suspicious activity or unattended packages to store/mall security or law enforcement.
Stay vigilant this holiday season. Be aware of your surroundings.
Pay by credit card, rather than check/debit card, to reduce the risk of funds being taken from your bank account. Keep all receipts and compare them to your monthly statements. Avoid being overcharged; review your receipt if you pay by debit, to ensure that the transaction is correct.
Keep your car key handy and lock your doors as soon as you get inside your vehicle.
Shop online with known businesses. Avoid shopping online through pop-up ads as they may be phishing scams or contain malware.
Conduct transactions on a secure server only; look for the padlock device on the browser’s status bar. The URL should change from http to shttp or https when asked for payment information, which indicates that the purchase is encrypted or otherwise secure.
