Garage Sale Safety

Having a garage sale is a summer staple and a great way to declutter before winter. The City-Wide Garage Sale put on by the Cool City Committee, started in 2023 and happening again in 2024, is a great event that has residents and visitors shopping and selling all weekend. It's also a great opportunity to review some simple safety tips for hosting a sale.

• Have backup. Two or more people should work the sale. This allows for multiple eyes to scan crowds and handle money. Criminals can sometimes work in teams to confuse so it makes sense to team up yourself.
• Lock up. Remember to lock up all doors and windows during the sale and make sure you've secured all valuables out of sight. Don't allow any strangers to use the bathroom and instead direct them to the nearest gas station.
• Stay alert. Keep you cell phone on you at all times in case of emergencies. You can also use the camera to capture license plates or suspect information.
• Practice safe money handling. Only have around $20 of change available and offer to hold items for people that don't have the proper amount of money on them. Offer online payment methods to limit cash handling (if you are comfortable and confident with online payment apps to do it safely). Consider buying a counterfeit bill detector pen from an office supply store for big bills.
• Greet everyone! Good customer service is also good crime prevention. Greeting customers means they know they've been seen and can't operate "under the radar."
• Monitor parking. Watch for customers blocking alleys and neighboring driveways that could hinder emergency vehicles.
• Keep pets secure!
• Don't get personal. Avoid revealing personal information or answering questions about your schedule, living situation or what's in your house when chatting.

Remember to keep hydrated, use sunscreen and watch for vehicles while shopping and selling this weekend! Stay safe and have fun!