Crimes that Occur During the Holidays: The Five Most Common

Without fail every Holiday season is sure to bring out the worst in some people. It's far to common to hear abouts someones Christmas being ruin due to a few crooks looking to make a fast buck. Here is a list of 5 of the most common crimes that occur year round, but increase during the Holidays. Also included are a few tips to help protect yourself from becoming a victim.

1) Purses Being Snatched - Ladies it happens everyday, but more then you'd think during the Holidays. Crooks are banking on you having cash in your wallet, and with stores being packed, it's easy to let your guard down. To protect yourself, never leave your purse unattended in a shopping cart, as a matter of fact, it's best if you keep it on you. Do not tote handbags, use a purse with a shoulder strap. Always leave your purse hanging in the front, it's easy to slip a wallet out of purse if it is loosely hanging at their side or toward the back. Make sure you have your keys out of your purse before leaving a store. That way your not out digging through your purse in the parking lot. If you have bags to put in the car, first put your purse inside the car, where no one can see it. The front floorboard is a good place. Then you can load the trunk.

2) Cars Being Broken Into. - You hear about it all the time, yet we're all guilty of leaving valuables in plain view for time to time. During the Holidays the temptation for criminals is there, and the pickings are plenty. Never leave shopping bags where they can be seen. When you get out of your car, look in the windows, and see if you notice any bags. The best place to put shopping bags as we hop store to store, is in the trunk. If the item is small enough you can squeeze it under the seat, or put it in the glove box. Avoid leaving bags lying on the seat. There is an old saying called "smash & grab", that means not only are you going to have your belongings stolen, but you'll also have a broken window to deal with. Another good tip to remember is to always park under lights, and near the front of the store. No criminal wants to be seen.

3) Homes Being Burglarized - It's sad to think that someone would stoop so low as to burglarize a home during the Holidays. However, to a crook, this is the best time of the year. On top of your normal routine that keeps you away from home, now your traveling, going to Christmas parties, or shopping. You busy schedule keeps you away from home more then ever, as with everyone. Which all adds up to criminals having more time to steal, plus they know there is presents inside. To prevent being a victim, make sure your home is never dark. If you don't have lights on a timer, then leave them on when you leave the house, especially porch lights, and other outdoor lights. Keep your blinds closed when your not home, this way people don't know what you have. Also if you can don't put a lot of presents under the tree, everyone likes to show their tree off, but you might be inviting trouble. And always keep your doors and windows locked!

4) Charity Scams - Con-artist bank on you being charitable during the Holidays, but make sure your not just putting money into someones pocket. Do not donate to charities you have never heard of before. Ask all charities that you are considering donating to if they can proved you with a tax ID number, and if they are a member of the BBB. If they are on the up and up, they will gladly give you the information, and a way for you to donate once you have checked them out. If they refuse the information do not donate.

5) Armed Robbery - Worse case scenario you end up at the business end of a weapon. In this case there is only one smart thing you can do. Remain calm, and hand over whatever valuables the criminal is asking for. Everything is replaceable, except human life.

I a perfect world we would have nothing to worry about, but we don't. The old saying "It's better to be safe then sorry" is a very true statement. It takes a little extra time to secure everything, and to be as safe as possible, but it is worth it.