While Shopping:
· Secure valuables out of sight in your trunk. Be aware that many cars now have fold-down seats or a remote trunk release inside the car. These conveniences make your trunk vulnerable to thieves willing to break a window.
· If at a mall or a shopping center, periodically go to the car and lock away purchases so they will not “disappear” when you put them down trying-on clothes or at the food court.
· Safeguard your purse, wallet, bank cards, and personal information. Identity thieves thrive in this environment.
· Keep close tabs on your children while shopping. With so many people it is easy for them to become lost. Make sure they know their full name, your full name, address, phone, and your cell or pager number to reach you if you get separated.
· Be aware of your surroundings going to your car, going into and out of your house, and while at the ATM.

At Home:
· Place your tree where the gifts will be less visible from outside. Thieves like window-shopping through your windows.
· After Christmas, don’t put the empty boxes out on the curb. This makes it easy for burglars to decide which houses to burglarize (ie: new computers, TVs, electronics, video games…). Break down boxes and put them in the trash, making sure to save all paperwork. Also remember many electronic devices require original boxes for warranty repair.
· Immediately make an inventory listing the model and serial numbers of new items (and old ones if you haven’t already) and engrave personal markings on them (example: “WVDL 1234567”- using your driver’s license number helps police get recovered stolen items back to the owner).
· Report persons or vehicles roaming your neighborhood, day or night so police may check them. They may be simply looking at Christmas lights, or they may be “casing” houses to burglarize.
· Make sure to keep doors and windows locked.
· Turn on outside lights at night.

If your family is planning to leave home for the holidays, take these extra steps:
· Tell a neighbor you will be away so they can look out for the house, give them emergency and cell numbers to reach you, but don’t tell everyone you know you will be gone. People you don’t know might find out. Don’t leave notes for friends or delivery men.
· Have the neighbor pick up mail, papers, and ads, put out your trash can, and park in your driveway.
· Timers on exterior lights, interior lights, and TVs will help make it look like you are home. Don’t leave an answering machine message saying you are gone, in fact turning it off would be better.
· Double check all doors and windows, including second floor and basement. The doors should have dead-bolts; key locks for windows are also available.
· When you return, look around outside first. If you see any evidence of a break-in, do not go inside. Go to a neighbor’s house and call police. The burglars could still be inside.

While traveling:
· Before you leave, inspect the car for safety (lights, belts and hoses, fluids, wipers, tires-both wear and air – DON’T FORGET TRAILER LIGHTS).
· Pack expensive items in the trunk, or under coverings to keep them out of sight.
· Pack safely. Items stacked in the back of a van, wagon, or SUV will become 60mph missiles in a crash! They also block the driver’s view. Items secured to the roof greatly alter the vehicle’s handling in wind and emergency maneuvers.
· When you stop, take the keys and lock the doors. This applies all of the time, at home and away. An unlocked, running car invites a thief.
· Use a CLUB or other device when parking for the night or at shopping centers 
· Keep doors locked while driving. It adds strength in a collision.
· Use seat-belts and child restraints properly.
· Be careful with bank, gas, and credit cards.
· Take regular rest breaks.
· Never send your children into restrooms alone.
· Store money in separate places to minimize loss or theft.
· Stay on roads you know and take maps, cell phones, and chargers, as well as safety items like blankets, flashlights, jumper cables, a jack, and a good spare tire.
· Drive carefully- better than those around you. You need to get there alive!

Have a wonderful holiday season. Remember, most crimes and accidents are preventable. You must do your part to lower your risk.

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