Christmastime is a busy season for everyone including criminals. Many are caught up in the particulars of their holiday preparations and shopping. Consumers are running from place to place with large amounts of cash in their wallets and loaded down with packages more so at this time of year than any other. Sorry to say crooks will also be out looking for their next victim. The holiday season is not the time to let your guard down. Being the unfortunate prey of crime can quickly wreck your holiday mood.

Christmastime is a busy season for everyone including criminals. Many are caught up in the particulars of their holiday preparations and shopping. Consumers are running from place to place with large amounts of cash in their wallets and loaded down with packages more so at this time of year than any other. Sorry to say crooks will also be out looking for their next victim. The holiday season is not the time to let your guard down. Being the unfortunate prey of crime can quickly wreck your holiday mood.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation reports that crime goes up this time of year. Illegal activities such as burglaries, muggings, car thefts, robberies, pick pocketing, credit card scams, etc. It's important that you don't forget about all the safety precautions you are normally mindful of while caught up in the excitement and anticipation of Christmas. Criminals will be out looking for an easy mark who isn't on the look out.

The day after Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the shopping season for the holidays. As you begin that holiday shopping, you might want some advice on how to avoid becoming an easy mark for criminals. Remember this advice is helpful year round as well.

SAFETY IN THE PARKING LOT

The holiday season can be a challenge when it comes to staying safe while shopping. One reason is there are fewer daylight hours this time of year. When shoppers arrive at the mall it may still be daylight outside. Anxious to get inside and start shopping, they are probably not considering it will be dark when they come out. They are not thinking about their safety in the dark and pay little attention to where they park.

Even though parking lots fill up quickly this time of year, try to park in a well-lit area with high pedestrian activity. Avoid parking in remote locations if at all possible. Once your car is parked, familiarize yourself with its location. Notice any row numbers, etc., so you can easily find it upon your return. Be sure to lock your car when you leave.

Try to shop with a buddy whenever you can. Doing so will reduce your chances of being attacked or mugged. If you have to shop alone, try walking near other pedestrians in the parking lot. Be sure to stay in well-lit areas as you walk and be alert to your surroundings at all time. It's best to steer clear of areas where you notice people are loitering. Walk quickly to the mall and don't meander.

SHOPPING MALL SAFETY TIPS

While shopping inside it is a good idea to avoid dark hallways and stockrooms, especially at closing time. Be sure to only use bathrooms that are located in high traffic areas of the mall such as the food court.

Be careful and on guard when walking in crowds. Look out for people you do not know who deliberately bumps, jostles or gets too close as these may be diversions for pickpockets who try to steal your wallet. While you are at it, you might want to keep a close eye on your shipping bags and other personal property too. Keep your purse close to your body and never leave it unwatched in the shopping cart. It's not a good idea to keep your wallet, credit cards, or cash in your back pocket or a backpack. Pickpockets can swiftly with easy get at these items without being caught. As an alternative, carry them in your front pockets.

Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Make purchases using a check, credit card, or debit card whenever possible. When you do use cash pull out only what you need and keep the remainder hidden from view. It's always a good idea to carry minimal amounts of cash, regardless of the time of year. Never flash your cash. Save your most expensive purchases for last, so you can head straight home afterwards.

Before returning to your car, make sure you're not over-burdened with packages. Consolidate as many packages as possible, or make several trips to your car to deposit packages in the trunk. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid becoming a tempting target.

Have your car keys in hand to avoid "searching" for them when you reach your car. As you approach your car, do not use the auto unlock mode on your key fob from too far a distance. By doing this, the flashing lights on the vehicle are advertising to a would-be assailant which vehicle is yours. He could race ahead and then be waiting for you at the car. Instead, wait until just before you get to there, check to make sure you are not being followed, then unlock the doors. When you reach your car it is a good idea to scan the interior BEFORE getting in to make sure no one is hiding inside.

Don't leave your valuables and packages inside your vehicle in plain sight. It is best to put them into your trunk where they are hidden from view. Failure to do so could be cause for someone to break into your car and take your belongings.

When you get inside your car, lock your doors without delay and then drive away. Don't sit there to check off your list or write purchases into your checkbook ledger. Do that later when you are at home. Waiting around creates the ideal opportunity for an attacker to get inside your car, particularly if you didn't lock your doors.

An additional precaution you may to consider is to carry a personal alarm. A personal alarm is great for getting the attention of witnesses if you ever need it. They are easily carried on your wrist or key chain and will emit a loud annoying noise when activated. An attacker will not like that kind of attention. He will stop his assault and go away.

Following these safety tips will help your Christmas to be a cheerful and joyful affair.