Shelby Shopper Shelby NC
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/49032
Thursday, December 1-December 7, 2011 www.shelbyinfo.com Sheriff Norman Offers Tips For Safe Shopping During The Holiday Season "The holiday season is right around the corner and shoppers are crowding malls and discount stores to buy the latest gadgets and find the best deals," said Sheriff Norman of Cleveland County. But what shoppers are neglecting is their safety. According to Sheriff Norman, this time of year attracts more shopping-related criminal activity because of the larger crowds and the favorable environment for petty thieves and other offenders. The Sheriff reminds all Cleveland County residents to follow these safety tips: Shopping Safety: • A single shopper is the best target for theft. Always shop with a friend or relative. • When going shopping, tell someone where you are going and what time to expect you to return. Also, make sure they know what you are wearing, as well as the type of vehicle you are driving. • Shop during daylight hours. If you shop at night, park your vehicle in a well-lit area. • Dress casually and comfortable and avoid wearing expensive jewelry. If carrying cash, keep it in your front pocket rather than in a purse of wallet. This makes it much more difficult for a pick-pocket to remove. Also, store car keys in a pants or jacket pocket. If your purse if stolen, you will still be able to drive home. • Pay careful attention to your surround- ings and avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps. • When returning to your vehicle, check around it and in the back seat. Be aware of strangers approaching you for any reason. Have your car keys in your hand to avoid spending unnecessary time unprotected from the security of your vehicle. • If you feel uneasy returning to your vehicle alone, find a security guard and ask them to walk you to your car. According to Sheriff Norman, "during this time of year, busy holiday shoppers become careless and vulnerable to other crimes as well. Credit card fraud and gift card fraud are on the rise. However, taking a few preven- tive measures can help." Credit Card Fraud: • Keep a close watch on your credit card every time you use it, and make sure you get it back as quickly as possible. • Never write your PIN number on your credit card. • Never leave your credit cards or receipts lying around. • Shield your credit card number so that others around you can't copy it or capture it on a mobile telephone or other camera. FOR SALE FOR SALE LAPTOPS AND DESKTOPS very reasonable repairs in 3 days or less, we now repair Macbooks, we buy laptops. Excalibur Com- puter Service. 704-434-5057, Mon-Tues. 8-5, Wed-Fri. 8-6.B 1/2 TON FIREWOOD, $60 per load. Delivered. 704-692-3475. • Only carry credit cards that you absolutely need. • Shred anything with your credit card number written on it. • If you're planning to purchase online, make sure the web page where you enter your credit card informa- tion is secure through SSL (Secure Socket Layer). You can tell if the web page is secure by looking for the gold lock or key icon at the bottom corner of your browser window. • If you're not comfortable submitting your information through the internet, call the seller and give them your information over the telephone. Never send your credit card information via email. • Check the company out. Only do busi- ness with companies that provide a physical address and telephone number. • Keep good records. Always print out a copy of any online products or services you purchase. Gift Card Fraud: • Never buy gift cards from online auction sights. This is a large source of gift card fraud. Many of the gift cards are stolen, counterfeit or used. • Only buy gift cards directly from the store issuing the gift card or from a secure retailer's website. • Don't buy gift cards off of publicly dis- played racks in retail stores. Only purchase gift cards at the sales terminal from the cashier. • Always carefully examine both the front and back of a gift card before you buy it. If you see a PIN number, ask for a different card. If the card looks like it has been tam- pered with in any way, put it back. • Always ask the store cashier to scan the gift card in front of you. This will guarantee that your card is valid when you buy it and that it reflects the balance you just charged it with. • Always keep your receipt as a proof of purchase as long as there is money stored on the gift card. • If possible, register your gift card at the store's website. • Never give your social security number, date of birth or any other unneeded private information when purchasing a gift card. No reputable company will ask for this informa- tion. In light of these problems, Sheriff Norman warns shoppers to be careful so that they don't become the victim of criminal activity. "Unfortunately, when shopping, people have a tendency to let their guard down," said FOR SALE FOR SALE iPOD TOUCH, 8GB, 4th gen & rechargeable, Logitech speaker dock. Barely used. Includes USB cable, ear buds, case. Still under warranty. $200. 704-538-9383. TREADMILL LIFESTYLER bicy- cle w/exercise arms. AB lounge. VCR. Straight Talk phone. 704- 482-8632. FOR SALE FOR SALE OLD ANTIQUE KITCHEN CABI- NET $100 or make offer. 704- 750-4453 or 704-898-0031. 2011 PECANS $1.25 per pound. Call 864-489-4010 after 5:30 PM. ALFALFA HAY for sale. Call 704-473-5287. Automotive + 704-482-0441 Ask For A 1900 ELIZABETH AVE. SHELBY, NC Charlie Heston, Owner-Tech Come See Us For All Your Repair Needs OWNER 2000 BUICK LESABRE CUSTOM Nice Clean Car! Only 118K Miles $1000 DOWN $ SERVICE CENTER 3595 *Prices Do Not Include Tax, Tag & Title (O.A.C.) 1998 FORD EXPEDITION Eddie Bauer, 4x4, Leather, Loaded, Tow Package, Extra Nice! $1500 DOWN $ FREE ESTIMATES 5995 •BRAKES •TUNE-UP •OIL FILTER & LUBE We Sell 704/484-1047 - shelby shopper & info - Page 31 1996 Ford Work Van Extended Version V8, auto., air, 20'' chrome wheels, nice, ready to work. $ 4,995 Some fi nancing available CALL 704-692-2248 Operation Medicine Drop - Dispose Of Your Unused, Expired Prescriptions Take-back event offers public safe, secure way to dispose of their medications. WHO: The Cleveland County Health Department, Alliance for Health, Safe Kids Cleveland County, ACCES, Cleveland County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, Cleveland County Sheriff's Office, Shelby Police Department, Kings Mountain Police Department, and Community Care of North Carolina—truly a community collabo- ration. WHAT: Prescription drug take-back event where you can safely dispose of your expired, unused prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications and keep them out of the wrong hands. WHEN: Saturday, December 3, 2011, 9:00 am-1:00 pm WHERE: Cleveland County Health Department, 315 E Grover Street, Shelby, NC 28150 WHY: Unintentional poisoning from prescription medications is on the rise in North Carolina – since 1999, nearly 4,500 people have died from prescription poisoning. Unused medications that are flushed or poured down the drain pollute the water supply. Flushed drugs aren't removed in sewage treatment plants or septic tank systems—they enter the soil, rivers, streams, and groundwater. Exposure to drugs found in waterways harm fish and other aquatic life. Operation Medicine Drop offers the public a free and convenient option for disposing of their prescription and over-the-counter medications to protect their families and the environ- ment. • More than 75% of all unintentional poisonings are by over-the-counter and prescription medications. • Approximately 40% of injuries from unintentional poisonings occur in children under five years of age. • 1 in 5 teens has abused prescription pain medicine. • 1 in 5 teens has abused prescription stimulants and tranquilizers. • 1 in 10 teens has abused cough medicine. Teens think these drugs are safe because they have legitimate uses. Make sure your kids and grandkids know that taking them without a prescription is just as dangerous and addictive as using street narcotics and illicit drugs. For more information on Operation Medicine Drop, you may contact DeShay Oliver, Cleveland County Health Department at 704-484-5199, or Captain Joel Shores, Cleveland County Sheriff's Office, at 704-476-3053. 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