Augusta authorities prep for Black Friday, provide safety tips for locals
As Augustans check items off their list ahead of the holidays, authorities are urging residents to me mindful of thieves looking to swindle holiday spirit on Black Friday.
The Richmond County Sheriff's Office said on Black Friday it places extra patrol units in areas like Augusta Mall and larger stores. But unlike any other day, other divisions, such as the traffic division and crime suppression division, step in to help.
Even though the mall has it's own security force, some stores will hire special duty officers from Richmond County to assist during the rush. The extra eyes are important to keep the community safe, as thieves often exploit the opportunity to take advantage of cheerful shoppers.
"It's always better to travel in pairs on Black Friday because usually the thieves are looking for loan targets and weak targets," said RCSO's Patrick Clayton. "On a day like this, it's a good time not to take your children with you because it distracts you."
Clayton added Richmond County has never experienced injuries from large crowds, but it is best to be safe and avoid putting children in a situation that could be dangerous.
One safety concern the sheriff's office said is often overlooked on Black Friday is safety while using outdoor ATMs.
"The best thing to do is to use credit cards, because thieves and robbers wait for situations where you are waiting at an ATM and will commit a snatch and grab," Clayton said. "I would also recommend women not carry purses. If a thief does try to snatch your purse, don't fight over it. It's not worth it."
Robberies and car break-ins are the most prevalent crimes in Augusta on the holiday, according to the sheriff's office.
"People will put stuff in their cars in between stores and either leave expensive things out in the open, or thieves will bust a window," Clayton said. "If you just bought something that's fairly valuable, don't leave it out. At least put it down on the floorboard or put it in the trunk. What we want to do is make sure that we're not being easy targets for them."
Similarly to the Richmond County Sheriff's Office, the Columbia County Sheriff's Office said its biggest safety concerns on Black Friday are entering autos and leaving packages in plain sight.
However, overall, CCSO said it experiences very few incidents on the holiday.
Those traveling over the river to North Augusta on Black Friday can expect to see similar crime prevention efforts.
The North Augusta Department of Public Safety focuses its efforts on Black Friday throughout the city, with extra emphasis on shopping areas, according to public information officer Allen Swann.
Swann said shopping centers with chain stores are the busiest locations and concerns in those areas include large crowds trying to be the first to get a special price item before it’s gone, the occasional argument or fight over an item, crashes in parking lots and congested traffic in general.
He added several chain stores often hire off-duty officers for special duty during certain hours on Black Friday, similar to stores in Richmond and Columbia counties.
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This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: How to stay safe while shopping in Augusta on Black Friday
