Holiday Safety Tips

This holidays are a time of cheer and happiness and brotherly love, right? Well, unfortunately, not all criminals are filled with the Christmas spirit. While out shopping this year, enjoy the season but remember to keep vigilant about your personal safety. Becoming careless or not being observant can make you the victim of a crime of property theft, identity theft or a violent crime.

Here are some tips for having a safe holiday shopping season.

Try to do all your shopping during the daylight hours. If shopping at night, don't go it alone. Make sure to keep your head up and observe your surroundings. Don't park in a dark parking lot. When in doubt, ask security to escort you to your car.

Don't carry a purse. Purse snatching is increasingly common during the heavy shopping season. If you do carry a wallet, don't keep ten credit cards in there. Keep only what you need. Limit your use of cash if possible and try not to flash it around to everyone in the store while paying for your purchases.

If you are the victim of a property theft, notify the credit card issuer and your bank immediately. If you are the victim of unauthorized use of a card, make sure to call the police and file a report. You will need this so as not to be responsible for any unauthorized charges. Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.

Don't overload yourself with shopping bags. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps. Also, don't leave a large amount of bags in your car. This will get your car window busted out in a heart beat.

When you leave your vehicle, make sure there are no items of interest in your vehicle. This means, don't leave your purse in the car. If you pull in to the lot and hide your purse under the seat, there's always the possibility someone is watching you. Don't leave your cell phone, iPod, GPS, money or even your stereo face plate. Don't put a CD holder on your visor. Don't keep three hundred CDs in you're a case in your car. You will never need all of them.

The bottom line is to be vigilant. Monitor your surroundings. Keep your purse on you at all times. Don't turn your back on your young children. Remember to shop in pairs at night and enjoy the holiday season. Don't let the fear of a crime put a damper on your holiday spirit.