By Staff
The holidays are a time for family and fun, gifts and giving, laughter and sharing. But they are also a busy time for thieves, as robberies are happening almost daily.
There are a lot of things you can do to help keep your family "Grinch" free this holiday.
When out shopping, stay alert and be aware of what's going on around you. Try to park in a well-lighted space at night and closer to the store during the day. Also, make sure to lock your car, roll the windows up and hide shopping bags and gifts in the trunk.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and pay with checks or credit cards whenever possible. If you can, leave your purse or wallet at home. Only carry what is necessary for your shopping trip.
It's always a great idea to carry some kind of personal protection, such as pepper spray or Mace. Also, make sure your cell phone is at hand and ready for fast use.
If you notice a store is being robbed, do not act in a way that will draw attention to yourself, especially if the robber is armed. Instead, leave the store if possible, call the police immediately and give them a description of the person and their car.
If you are the victim, don't resist! Comply with the crook's demands.
If you're going to be out of town for the holidays, get an automatic timer for your lights. Ask a neighbor to watch your home and if you have another vehicle, park it in the driveway.
It's also a good idea to have your mail and newspaper delivery stopped.
Taking these extra cautious steps could keep you and your family safe this holiday season. Just be aware of your surroundings.