The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is upon us. While people are busy preparing for and celebrating this special time of year, they must also remember that the holidays  are also peak season for shoplifters, pickpockets, and burglars. By taking a few preventative measures and remaining aware of your surroundings, you will be sure to experience a happy, joyous season.  

Dress casually and comfortably, leaving expensive jewelry at home when you hit the stores. When possible, shop during daylights hours, but if you must shop in the evening, go with friends or family as there is safety in numbers. Remember, just walking with a confident stride while keeping your head up can deter a lurking thief.

Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. If you do carry cash, keep it in your front pocket rather than in your purse or wallet. In fact, you may consider leaving your purse or wallet at home. A purse is a prime target for criminals, so if you must carry one, ensure it remains closed at all times and carry it close to your body.

Consider paying for your purchases with a check or credit card. However, be sure to protect receipts with important identifying credit card information. If you should discover a credit card is missing, notify the company as soon as possible. Also, keep a list of your credit card accounts and the issuing company’s phone number accessible, but in a safe and secure location at home or in a safe deposit box.

Avoid overloading yourself with lots of packages to ensure you have clear visibility of your surroundings at all times, as well as the freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.

When returning to your automobile after shopping, always approach your vehicle with keys in hand to quickly unlock your doors. Check inside the vehicle for an intruder, and quickly lock your doors once inside. If you decide to drop packages to the car and continue shopping, move your car to a new location, of course always parking in a well-lit space.

The holidays are a special and joyous time of year. It is also a time when individuals need to be alert to the possibility of crime, but by simply taking a few precautions, you are sure to enjoy a happy and safe holiday season.