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Parents Urged To Take Precautions During Holiday Outings

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SUNCOAST NEWS STAFF REPORT

Published: December 2, 2008

Updated:

NEW PORT RICHEY - The mere thought is enough to send a shiver down the spine of any parent: On a shopping expedition to a busy store, you turn around only to find your child has wandered off - or worse.

Some simple precautions can keep children safe during the holidays, according to the Pasco Sheriff's Office crime prevention unit.

Here are the recommendations:

•If possible, leave small children at home with a trusted babysitter.

•Parents can teach children to go to a store clerk to ask for help in case they get separated.

•Children can and should be taught to stay close to parents at all times while shopping.

•Parents should always accompany their children to the restroom.

•Children should never be allowed to go to the car alone or sit alone in a car.

•Parents can train their children to give their full name, address and telephone number to police officers or mall security. Children should know to inform a parent immediately if a stranger is bothering them.

•Just in case a child gets lost, take a photo of the child on a camera phone before heading to the stores. That way police or store security will know what the child looks like and what the youngster is wearing.

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