For the most part, estate and yard sale shopping is a pretty safe hobby -- unless you're talking about the hit to your wallet. Nevertheless, yard sale shopping does involve visiting the properties of complete strangers, sometimes going inside their homes, and you'll be shopping among yet more strangers.
While there's no need to be terrified each time you venture out, you should practice basic yard sale shopping safety. Here's how:
General Precautions
- Be aware of your surroundings, and of the people around you.
- Carry a cell phone.
- Consider carrying pepper spray, if it's legal in your area. You'll probably never need to get it out of your pocket. But, if you get a bad feeling, you can palm it just in case.
- Even if you normally keep the GPS locators on your cell phone and car off for privacy, consider turning them on while yard sale shopping.
Among the Crowd
- Beware of pickpockets. Don't keep cash in a purse swinging behind you from a shoulder strap, and don't keep cash or cards in back pockets. Keep your money in the inside or front pockets of your pants or jacket, or in a waist pouch placed at the front of your body.
- Bumping and jostling is to be expected at a crowded sale in tight quarters. Most of the time, it's just accidental. However, if you think you're being targeted, speak up and do so loudly. In a crowd, thieves and bullies don't want a loud victim.
Inside the House
- Don't get cornered. Most of the time, there will be enough people in every room to ensure your safety. But, some estate and yard sales include the contents of basements, attics, storage buildings -- even bathrooms and walk-in closets. Don't be afraid to venture inside, but if someone corners you in a tight or deserted area, move so that person isn't between you and the door. If it's just an innocent seller or shopper, they'll never notice. If the person tries to block your exit, scream for help. If you think you have a chance physically, shove the person out of the way and run. Nobody in that setting has the right to block your exit or physically intimidate you. If it turns out that it was just an overzealous seller or a fellow customer who thinks you're cute, they deserve the resulting embarrassment. Your safety comes first.
When You're the Only Customer
Occasionally, you'll be the first or only shopper at a yard sale, especially at an unadvertised sale. This is generally a good thing, as you'll have first pick of the goods. Don't be afraid to stop and shop, even if the sale is inside. But, as in any case when you're alone with a stranger, be cautious.
- Keep an eye on the seller. There's likely no danger, but keep the seller in view while you shop. Don't let him or her approach you from the rear, or corner you in the garage. If they mean no harm, they'll never even notice when you maneuver to a safer position.
- Know where you are. Make note of the street address, both the number and the street.
- Let someone know where you are, especially if some of the goods are inside the house. You've already made note of the address, but the seller doesn't know that. Pull out your cell phone and ask the seller for the street address. Call a friend, say you've found a great sale, and give the street address. If there's nobody you can call, fake the call. You're putting the seller on notice that someone knows exactly where you are, but you're doing so in an inoffensive way.
- If you feel uneasy, leave. Trust those instincts that warn you when something is wrong.
Traffic Safety
- Obey traffic laws. Even if you've just spotted a sign for the greatest unadvertised yard sale of the season, don't make an illegal U-turn. Circle the block, or pull into a driveway to turn around. If you cause an accident or get pulled over for a ticket, you're going to spend a lot more than you'd save by getting to that sale six seconds faster.
- Don't slam on your brakes. Rubbernecking is instinctive when you spot a sale, but don't just stop in the middle of the street to gawk. Put on your blinker and pull over to the side of the road. If you get hit from behind, it won't matter what they were selling.
