My gosh, the holidays are upon us! I felt compelled to publish a list of safety reminders because, the fact is, the number of reported theft is up nationwide. Please read and share so you, and your family, can have a safe and happy holiday season:

* When possible shop in pairs, it is safer and more fun.
* I know they are pretty, but don't wear expensive looking or expensive
jewelry. No need to advertise yourself.
* Carry a purse with a wide strap that you can wear across your chest.
Not a fashion statement, but hard for a purse snatcher to get.
* Don't put anything of value in the outside pocket of a backpack.
* Only carry the exact amount of money you think you will need and
as few credit cards as possible. Before you start shopping, write
down your credit card information and a contact number, put it in a safe
place in your car. If your card is stolen you can contact the card
company immediately.
* Carry a drop bill fold. Get a cheep bill fold, put a expired card and
a dollar of two, if you are approached, give the bad guy that. Believe
me he/she will not stop to check the expiration date.
* Park as close to the building as possible in a well lite place. You might
start your shopping trip in daylight, but remember it gets dark earlier.
* Be aware of who is around you. When you are returning to your car,
have your keys in hand and look, notice who is around you.
* If you are approached in the parking lot, throw your keys as far as you
can and yell, "FIRE!"
* Always check in your vehicle before you get in.
* If you purchase a gift card, watch the transaction. There were a
number of reported cases where the customer purchased a gift card,
the clerk swapped cards, the customer was given a worthless piece of
plastic while the clerk got to spend whatever the amount of the card was.
* Watch your credit card, likewise there were reported cases of credit
card swaps. If you have a custom card with your favorite NFL team or
grandchild's photo, you don't have to worry, but if you have the basic
card, make sure it is yours before you leave the check out lane. One
method was the clerk wrapped the receipt around the card. Cleaver! .

The bottom line is to be smart, don't make yourself vulnerable or give the bad guy an opportunity to take what is yours.

Happy Holiday Shopping