Holiday Safety Tips for Your Wallet, Car and Home

If you are shopping: 

Make it fun. Plan ahead. Do whatever you need to do to make the prospect of holiday shopping more enjoyable. 

Know what to do if you lose your handbag or wallet: Take a moment to inventory or photocopy the personal and financial information you carry in your handbag or wallet, including items such as your driver’s license, bank cards, checks, and credit cards. Store your inventory list or photocopies in a secure location. This important step will help you know whom to contact if your handbag or wallet is lost or stolen. 

Shop with a friend(s) or relative(s) if possible, there is safety in numbers. 
Stay alert and be aware of what’s going on around you. 

Discourage pickpockets and purse-snatchers. It would be better to carry a small  man’s wallet in a front pants pocket, inside jacket pocket or wear a fanny pack. If you insist on carrying a purse, hold it under your arm, close to your body, not dangling by the straps. 

Never leave your purse in a shopping cart or on a counter while you pay for your purchases. When using public restrooms, use extreme caution — try to avoid putting your purse on hooks or door handles. These places provide easy access for criminals to grab your bags and run. 

Never carry large amounts of money. Whenever possible, use debit cards, credit cards, checks, or travelers’ checks instead of cash. (Travelers’ check can be replaced if lost or stolen). Visit ATM machines only in well lighted places and populated locations.

Secure your car

Cars can be an easy target for criminals. Park your car as close to your destination as possible and in a well-lighted area. 

Be sure to lock the car, close the windows, and hide shopping bags and gifts in the trunk or covered out of sight 

When returning to your automobile (or home), have your keys in your hand, ready to open the door. However, before entering your vehicle, carefully check underneath the car, the front and rear seats and floors for anyone that may be hiding there. Lock your doors immediately after entering your vehicle or house. These quick activities make keep you from becoming a victim. 

Move your car often. If you return to the car in the middle of a shopping trip, move to another area of the parking lot to discourage a thief who may have been watching you unload your purchases. 

Shopping with kids? Teach them to go to a store clerk or security guard if you get separated or lost. Make sure they know their real first and last name (not just a nickname) as well as your complete first and last name. 

Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason this time of year, "con-artists" may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings. 

If a stranger comes to door at home, beware Criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts. And it’s not uncommon for people to try to take advantage of others’ generosity during the holidays by going door-to-door for charitable donations when there’s no charity involved. Ask for identification, and find out how the funds will be used. If you aren’t satisfied with their answer, don’t give a donation. Help a charitable organization you know and like instead. 

If you are out for evening 

Don’t display gifts where they can be seen from outside. 

If you are traveling Try to make your home look occupied while you are away. Set up an automatic timer for your lights, a radio or TV (tuned to a talk channel) to stimulate human voices and presence so it looks like someone’s home. 
Turning your telephone ringer down or off will avoid having your absences advertised by long, loud ringing. 

Ask a neighbor to watch your home, and park in the driveway from time to time.  Don’t forget to have mail and newspaper delivery stopped. If it piles up, it’s a sure sign you’re gone. 

Take a holiday inventory 
The holidays are a good time to update — or create — your home inventory. Take photos or make videos of items, and list descriptions and serial numbers. If your home is burglarized, having a detailed inventory can help identify stolen items and make insurance claims easier to file. 

May the holiday season be a safe and happy time for all!