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This is prime time for crooks that spend no time in taking advantage of shoppers who are more concerned with buying than protecting themselves. These are a few common sense tips designed to help keep you safe this holiday season.

 

First, avoid shopping at night if you are alone. There is great temptation to stop off at the mall or shop on the way home from work, however, women especially should be ware of this temptation and avoid the practice if possible. If a huge sale is planned at night, make it a two, three, or four person event and even make it an outing by including dinner.

 

Leave your expensive watches, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces at home. This is just bait for the thief who is diligently searching for his next quarry. Also, dress comfortable. A weary shopper who pauses often to rest and recover from uncomfortable shoes is like a weak member of the herd.

 

Don't carry a lot of cash, period. Use a debit card, credit card, gift card, or Traveler's checks if you will be making one or several large purchases which are so typical at the holiday season. Keep a small wallet in your front pocket where you will instantly detect anyone attempting to access your cards. Keep a record of your card or check numbers as safely stored at home in case of theft. It is a good idea to have the telephone number of banks and companies which issued the cards stored in your cell phone. Notify card companies or banks as soon as possible if you loose or have your cards or checks stolen.

 

Take extra precautions with any purses, backpacks, fanny packs or other bags which contain anything you consider to be valuable. Remember, crooks are looking for cash first, then cards, jewelry, and cell phones.

 

 

Finally, be your own body guard. The purpose of a body guard is to stay intone with the surroundings. As you enter the mall, be aware of who is congregated around the entrance. As you exit the mall, in particular, observe individuals milling around or those just sitting in cars. Use

caution when approaching your car taking time to look inside, around, and underneath for would be crooks. When you begin to pack your purchases into the trunk or hatch, keep your guard up. This is the point where many people let down. They feel that the shopping trip is over, they have reached their vehicle, and they have it made. Many attacks happen at this point. Keep your guard up until you are locked inside the car and moving.