Don't Become A Victim This Holiday Season

The media and nationwide police departments are warning consumers to use caution and common sense when shopping during this holiday season. The Thanksgiving, Christmas and Hanukkah holiday seasons are one of the highest crime periods of the year.

With the 10.2% unemployment rate and many Americans only working part-time or minimum wage this holiday season thieves are more desperate than ever. This may be one of the worst crime periods we have seen in a long time.

There have been reports of thieves stealing gas, stealing groceries out of the trunk or cars, snatch and grab where a purse is stolen out of a locked car, increases in shoplifting, and more. Here are 16 tips to reduce your chances of being a victim of theft this holiday season.

1. Don't carry extra credit cards in your wallet. Only carry the credit cards you know you are going to use when shopping.

2. Lock all the doors and windows at your home when you are at home and away from home.

3. Get in your car quickly, don't linger. Lock your doors as soon as you get in the car.

4. If you are a single woman and hire a professional to fix something in your home, call a friend or relative to let them know you are getting work done in your home. Put away any valuables and personally identifying information.

5. Don't discuss your salary, where you live or where you go shopping. You make spark the interest of a potential criminal or actual criminal.

6. Do not leave your child or pet alone in a locked car.

7. Don't leave anything in your car. Thieves are breaking into cars and stealing whatever they find, CD's, clothes, etc.

8. Don't use the ATM in a secluded, poorly lit area or at night.

9. Buy gas during the daytime.

10. Be on guard when riding in taxis, many drivers get robbed during the holidays.

11. If you feel someone is following you try to walk towards a lighted area or near other people. If that's not possible call a friend or family member from your cell phone. If you are attacked they can call the police and locate you. Use a headset when talking to keep your hands free.

12. Don't park near a van or truck.

13. Leave the mall before it closes. If not, get a mall security guard to walk you to your car.

14. Don't go shopping at night but if you have to go shopping with a friend or two.

15. Tear up boxes that contained expensive gifts and put them in a separate trash bag to deter thieves that may go through your trash.

16. When walking, shopping or driving use your Bluetooth for your cell phone. Talking on your cell phone without a Bluetooth is very distracting and thieves wait for the perfect opportunity to rob you while you are distracted.

Safety During Holiday Shopping

Police departments and news stations around the country warn consumers to be extra careful when shopping during the holidays. Here are 10 tips to reduce your chances of being a victim of theft this holiday season.

1) Don't carry extra credit cards in your wallet. Only carry the credit cards you know you are going to use.
2) Leave your social security card at home.
3) Protect your credit card from thieves when handing it to the cashier. Camera phones can be used to steal credit card numbers.
4) Don't use ATM's at night or in secluded areas.
5) Don't leave your car unlocked when getting gas, the belongings in your car can be stolen and so can your car.
6) Don't leave items in your car while parked. This increases your chances of your car being stolen. If you have to leave items in your car, put them in the trunk.
7) Be on guard when riding in taxis, many drivers get robbed during the holidays.
8) When parking your car look at your surroundings, remember where you parked. If you leave the mall when it's dark, have a security guard walk you to your car.
9) If you feel someone is following you try to walk towards a lighted area or near other people. If that's not possible call a friend or family member from your cell phone. If you are attacked they can call the police and locate you. Use a headset when talking to keep your hands free.
10) Do online shopping at a secure trusted websites with shttp or https or with a locked symbol in the lower right hand corner of the website.

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