Portland, OR – Small Business Saturday launches Oregon’s holiday shopping season, drawing shoppers to bustling districts from Portland’s Pearl District to Eugene’s Fifth Street Market. With colder temperatures, slippery sidewalks, and longer nights settling in across the state, safety officials are urging Oregonians to take key precautions while shopping this winter.
According to local authorities, avoiding shopping alone after dark remains one of the most effective safety practices. Whether you’re visiting Portland’s downtown shops, Salem’s State Street corridor, or Bend’s Old Mill District, bringing a companion provides added awareness—especially in crowded or dimly lit areas that see increased traffic during the holiday rush.
Parking wisely is another essential tip. Popular Oregon shopping hubs like Clackamas Town Center, Washington Square, Valley River Center, and Bend’s Cascade Village can see heavy congestion throughout December. Officials recommend choosing well-lit, high-foot-traffic parking spaces near entrances, especially with Oregon’s frequent winter rain reducing visibility. Shoppers are encouraged to avoid isolated corners of large lots.
Keeping purchases out of sight once you return to your car is also critical. Law enforcement in Portland, Eugene, and Medford note a seasonal rise in vehicle break-ins targeting cars with visible shopping bags. Securing items in the trunk or covering them before leaving your vehicle can drastically reduce theft risk.
While navigating Oregon’s busy shopping districts—whether Portland’s Hawthorne Boulevard or Salem’s historic downtown—shoppers are encouraged to stay alert to their surroundings. Winter crowds, umbrellas, and wet conditions make distractions more likely. Keeping your purse, wallet, and phone secure and limiting your time handling bags in parking areas can help prevent theft or accidents.
Before leaving a shopping center, local officials recommend following the “ELFS” safety routine: Enter your vehicle quickly, Lock the doors, Fasten your seatbelt, and Secure your belongings before driving away
