Many of us are expecting to be out there shopping at the last minute during this busy holiday season. During the stress of finding parking, last minute gifts, sifting through what is left at the stores, and comming up with something for that someone who has everything, we forget about ourselves. Im not talking about that meal we sacrificed to continue shopping, or the nice gift for ourselves we sacrificed.

In all the holiday shopping madness, DO NOT FORGET ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY! The holiday season is a time when busy people can become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime.

Here are a few prevention measures to help keep your holiday season joyous.

• Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.
    
• Dress casually and comfortably.
  
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or flashy items. 
   
• Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible. 
   
• Always carry your Driver License or Identification Card along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use. 
   
• Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings. Be alert when you are walking to and from the parking lot.
  
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Keep cash in seperate pockets so that you do not have to pull it all out at once in front of strangers.  
   
• Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible. 
   
• Keep cash in your front pocket. Keep your purses zipped.
   
• Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.
  
• Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home. 
   
• Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, transportation terminals, bus stops, on buses and other rapid transit.
  
• Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps. 
   
• Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, "con-artists" may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.
  
• Always park in well lit areas visible to others.
  
• Do not leave shopping bags or valuables visible in your car, place them in the trunk.
  
• If you have too many bags and have to take them to the car before you continue shopping for more, load them in the trunk and drive to a different parking lot. A thief will see you load your car and know you will be gone for a while as you return to shopping.
  
• Always have your keys ready when walking to your car.
  
• Take advantage of mall security, they will gladly escort you to your vehicle.
  
• Try to combine or carry minimal bags, do not show off high value items or thier vendors bags as you are shopping such as jewelry or electronic purchases. That will identify you as a great target.
  
• Be alert in the stores. There is still the potential for pick pockets and purse snatchers.
  
• Never leave your purse unattended in the shopping cart! When I observe a lady leaving her purse in the cart and walking off more than 10 feet, I walk over and hand thier purse to them. Its amazing how angry they get that you are protecting them, yet how distraught they would get if it were stolen.  

Finally everyone have a safe and happy holidays with your family. These were all the tips I could think of off the top of my head, and I hope that sharing them keeps your safe.