Staying safe while holiday shopping

Personal Safety expert Dan Starks says this is the time of year people are more likely to fall victim of crime.

More News

• View larger
• E-mail clip
• More video

Search Video:

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Charlotte-Mecklenburg police are looking for the men who robbed and carjacked a college student at the Walmart parking lot on JW Clay Blvd.

Police say the victim was leaving Walmart around midnight Monday when the suspects approached him and demanded his wallet and car keys. The victim says the men had a gun. The suspect got away with the victim's car, wallet and laptop.

Personal Safety expert Dan Starks says this is the time of year people are more likely to fall victim to such crimes.

"You're shopping late at night, you're going to the store at crazy hours for crazy sales. Doing those things makes you become more vulnerable," he said.

Starks says if you want to minimize your chances of becoming a victim you should try to avoid late night shopping. But if you do go out, he says shoppers should park in well-lit areas, and avoid using a cell phone while walking to and from.

"Get in your car and lock your door and drive. Comb your hair, text and talk later. Don't do it in a parking lot. You're asking for a problem," he says.

Starks also warns that shoppers should do sensible things like keeping their keys handy so that they can get in their cars quickly.

If you are approached and someone demands your car keys, Starks says you should throw them as far as possible and then run.