The winter holiday season is fast approaching and as always it's a very busy time of year for everyone, especially for criminals. Many are caught up in the particulars of their holiday preparations and shopping. Holiday shoppers are running from store to store often carrying large amounts of money and loaded down with packages. Perhaps more so than at other times of the year. Regrettably criminals will also be out and about looking for their next easy mark. This is certainly not the time to let your guard down. Being the unfortunate prey of crime can quickly wreck your holiday mood.

The FBI reports that criminal activity increases during December. Crimes such as burglaries, muggings, car thefts, robberies, pick pocketing, credit card scams, etc. Remember to vigilantly follow all the safety measures you normal do when it's not the holiday season. Criminals will be on the look out for someone they can catch off guard.

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 these tips are useful all year long too.

SAFETY IN THE PARKING LOT

The holiday season can be a challenge when it comes to staying safe while shopping. Mainly because there are fewer daylight hours in the day at this season of the year. Often shoppers arrive at a mall when it is day and find that it has gotten dark outside by the time they are ready to leave. Anxious to get inside and make their purchases, many shoppers don't consider this when 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. When you leave your car be sure to lock it. Look around to familiarize yourself with the area. Note what row you parked in and the spot number too. This will make it easier to find your car when you return.

Take a companion along when you shop. Using the buddy system reduces your chances of being mugged or attacked. If you are shopping alone, consider walking near other shoppers in the parking lot. Walk in well-lit areas and be aware of your surroundings. Avoid areas where people are loitering. Walk with a purpose and authority in your stride.

SAFETY IN THE MALL

While shopping inside it is a good idea to avoid dark hallways and stockrooms, especially at closing time. Don't use a bathroom facility that is located in a back passageway. It is best to use one near the food court or other high traffic area of the mall.

Always be cautious and alert when walking in crowded places. Watch out for any unfamiliar person who bumps, pushes or gets too close. These may be a tactic designed to draw your attention away from pickpockets trying to take your wallet. Be sure to keep a close watch on your shopping bags and other personal effects as well. Carry your purse firmly near your body and never leave it unattended in the shopping cart. Don't carry your wallet, credit cards or cash in the back pocket of your pants or in your backpack. Pickpockets can quickly and easily remove these items without being detected. Carry these items in your front pockets instead.

Don't carry large amounts of cash with you. Try to make your purchases using a personal check, credit card, or ATM card if you can. 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 afterward.

Try not to overload yourself with packages when it is time to return to your car. Combine smaller ones with one or two larger packages, or make several trips to your car. If you are overburdened, you won't be able to see who may be approaching and it could prevent you from quickly responding to a threat.

It's best to have your car keys ready and in hand when you reach your vehicle to prevent having to search for them. You may also want to check if you are being followed to your car too. 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 arrive at your vehicle be sure to look into the back seat before you get 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 wait around sitting there to check off your shopping list, jot purchases down in your checkbook ledger or whatever it is that may cause you to delay your departure.|Wait until later to check off your list or scribble purchases into your check