The holiday season is here, and it's the time of year many of us head out to overcrowded stores and malls to purchase gifts for our friends and relatives. We are also making plans for holiday trips away from home. All our holiday planning should also include planning to protect ourselves from holiday miscreants.
Statistics prove there is an increase in crime around the holidays.
For instance, park in well lighted areas, preferably within close distance to the store or mall where you intend to shop. Don't carry your automatic teller machine or other debit card with your personal identification number. If carrying a purse, carry it on the inside of your arm, on the side that is furthest from the street. Inside coat pockets are an excellent location to carry wallets or checkbooks. Let someone know where you are going shopping and what time you expect to return.