If you are traveling

• Get automatic timers for your lights.
• Ask a trusted neighbor to watch your home, pick up your mail, shovel your sidewalks, and park in your driveway from time to time.

If you are out for the evening

• Turn on the lights and a television or radio so it looks like someone is home.
• Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
• Do not display gifts where they can be seen from the outside.

If you are shopping

• Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings.
• Park in well-lit areas, and be sure to lock the car, close your windows, and hide all gifts and shopping bags in the trunk.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• Carry your purse close to your body and put your wallet in an inside pocket or front pants pocket.
• Have your keys ready to enter your vehicle when you approach it.  Use your “panic button” on your key fob if you become nervous or think you are being followed.
• Lock your doors immediately upon entering your vehicle.
• Shopping with the kids? Teach your kids to go to a store clerk or security guard if you get separated, and don’t allow your kids to go off by themselves.

If you are home

• Always use caution when answering your door for a stranger, but especially during the holiday season!  Criminals often use disguises and pose as couriers during the holiday season.
• The holidays are the season for giving but donate only to trusted charitable organizations. Always ask for identification; if you do not get a good feeling from the person, refuse to donate.