The holiday season is upon us and with each passing day the hearts of children everywhere beat a little harder and faster. Christmas is an annual celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, a time of love and peace for mankind, and the busiest shopping season of all. It is also a time of year that criminals target the unsuspecting shopper for profit or gain.

Just like the rest of us, criminals need to arrive with gifts during the holiday season, and how do you think that they will get that mP3 player for little Joe, the doll for Kim or the gaming console for the twins?

Do not think that the criminal element will be out early shopping at the nearest mall or department store during the big sale, no they will be laying in wait for the easy target walking to their car with a buggy full of presents, the single shopper leaving the store alone after dark, or the careless shopper that waves a bundle of cash around while making purchases.

By utilizing some common sense and simple precautions we can all make the holiday shopping season a fun, exciting, and a much safer time for everyone. Here are some tips that will make this an enjoyable holiday season.

1. Dress comfortably and wear comfortable shoes.

2. Shop during the daylight hours if at all possible.

3. If shopping after dark, park in a well lit parking area and shop with a group.

4. Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry when shopping.

5. Carry proper identification at all times.

6. Do not carry large amounts of cash on your person.

7. Pay for purchases with credit or debit cards.

8. Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times.

9. Store your purchases in a locked vehicle out of site or in the trunk.

10. Carry all cash in you front pocket.

11. Do not leave the mall or store overloaded with items that will restrict your movements and vision.

12. Be alert for strangers loitering in the parking lot, if do not feel safe going to your vehicle request an escort.

13. Lock your car door. Possibly the easiest thing to do to enhance your safety.

14. Carry a personal protection device with you at all times.

15. Trust your gut feeling or sixth sense, if you feel threatened act on those instincts.

16. Have your keys ready when you leave the store, be ready to unlock the door.

17. Bring your cell phone with you while you shop.

18. Instruct your children to find a store clerk or security personnel if they get lost.

Holiday safety does not end when you leave the mall or store, you need to keep your guard up once you arrive home. Be sure and remain alert when arriving home from shopping and when unloading the purchases that have been made.

Here are a few tips about home safety during the holiday season.

1. Use motion sensor flood lights outside your home. Thieves do not like to be seen.

2. Keep holiday gifts out of views of the windows to avoid being a target for thieves.

3. If you will be away for the holidays, use timer lights inside your home.

4. Have someone pickup your newspaper, mail, and any packages left on the front porch if you will be away for the holiday season.

5. Check the identification of any door to door solicitors during this time of year, verify their credentials.

We hope these simple tips will help you and your family enjoy a fantastic, exciting, and safe holiday season.