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Letter to the editor

Make the holiday safe, enjoyable: Here are a few tips

By Times Staff Writer
Published November 25, 2007

COUNTYWIDE

'Tis the season ... to remember crime prevention and shopping safety.

It is a festive time of the year, with busy people rushing around, searching for gifts in overstuffed stores.

It is also a season when we can become distracted and careless with our routines and, therefore, more vulnerable to criminals who would like to spoil our holiday cheer.

So here are some timeless tips to help us enjoy a safe and crime-free season.

- Avoid shopping alone; there is safety in numbers.

- Stay alert to your surroundings and the people around you, especially in retail parking areas where there is plenty of traffic.

- Lock your car. Never leave purses or shopping bags full of gifts in plain view in your vehicle. Place all packages either out of sight or locked in the trunk.

- Be careful when using an ATM and always look for one in a secure location. Stand directly in front of it to shield anyone from seeing your PIN. If you sense something is wrong, leave the area immediately.

- Criminals consider a distracted person an easy target. So have your car keys in hand before you leave the store. Scan the parking lot for suspicious people or cars as you walk to your vehicle.

- Grabbing a snack at the mall? Watch your purses and packages carefully.

- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or wearing expensive jewelry while shopping.

Remember, not everyone you encounter while shopping has the attitude of "Peace on Earth, Goodwill Toward Men."

So follow these precautions and enjoy.

[Last modified November 24, 2007, 20:08:07]