Home

This holiday season, don't let the spirit of giving lull you into giving burglars, muggers, and pickpockets a better chance to do their dirty work. Crooks love the holidays as much as everyone else, especially because it's an opportune time for crime.

Homes jam-packed with glittering gifts. Stores, malls, and downtown streets teeming with unsuspecting shoppers. People rushing around, stressed out and careless, looking for last-minute gifts, trying to get everything done. It's enough to make a crook giddy with holiday joy.

Here are some tips on how to celebrate safely this holiday season:

If You Are Traveling

Get an automatic timer for your lights.  Ask a neighbor to watch your home, shovel snow, and park in the driveway from time to time.   Don't forget to have mail and newspaper delivery stopped. If it piles up, it's a sure sign you're gone.

If You Are Out for the Evening

Turn on lights and a radio or TV so it looks like someone's home.   Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave, even if it's just for a few minutes.   Don't display gifts where they can be seen from outside.

If You Are Shopping

Stay alert and be aware of what's going on around you.    Park in a well-lighted space, and be sure to lock the car, close the windows, and hide shopping bags and gifts in the trunk.

Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; pay with a check or credit card whenever possible.   Deter pickpockets and purse-snatchers. Don't overburden yourself with packages. Be extra careful with purses and wallets. Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.   

Shopping with kids?

Teach them to go to a store clerk or security guard if you get separated.