Christmas shoppers should take precautions
By LISA CARNLEY Staff Writer

While crowded malls, busy shopping centers and stores stuffed with merchandise and people are signs of the holiday season, they also signal the peak time of year for burglaries and thefts.

With the approach of the Christmas holiday, precautions should be taken by those who plan to be out and about.

Lampasas Assistant Chief of Police Sammy Bailey urged shoppers to be aware of their surroundings, and she offered a number of tips to make this time of year a memorable experience.

"When you go shopping, park as close to the stores as you can. Park in a well-lit area, and lock your vehicle," said Ms. Bailey. "And use the buddy system; don't shop alone."

She also advised shoppers not to carry a lot of cash, credit cards or checks with them. "It is better to have just a few of each than to be wiped out if you lose everything you have."

Women are encouraged to carry purses in front of their bodies, while men's wallets should be in front pockets, which will help deter shoplifters, she noted.

Since malls and shopping centers are much more crowded this time of year, Ms. Bailey encouraged shoppers not to overload themselves with packages.

"After you have made a number of purchases, it is best to put them in a secure, hidden area in your vehicle," she said. "That helps to keep your hands free in case of emergencies, and then you are able to continue your shopping."

She also said carrying a vehicle's keys in a front pocket instead of placing them in a purse is a good idea. If the purse is taken, one wouldn't be left stranded, waiting for a ride.

"Have keys ready when you go to your vehicle," she added. "It's always a good idea to glance around you when headed to your car, searching underneath the vehicle and checking inside the vehicle's windows before you get in to be sure unwanted visitors are not waiting."

The assistant chief advised patrons to remember where they parked their vehicle, so upon their return to the parking lot, the car or truck can be located quickly.

"If you feel uncomfortable about walking to the parking lot by yourself, ask the store to find a police officer, security guard or employee who can escort you."

For those who prefer the convenience of online shopping, Ms. Bailey encouraged consumers to be sure credit card numbers are given only on identifiable secure sites.

To protect one's home, the police official said residences should be kept locked -- windows and doors.

"And don't put your Christmas packages out where someone can see them through the window," she advised. "A lot of people like to put their Christmas tree in front of their window, and that's fine. Just put your purchases elsewhere."

Now is a good time for a homeowners' inventory, she suggested.

"Valuables should be logged with a model and serial number, as well as a description of the item. And engraving an identifying mark on valuables is a good idea, too.

"If something does happen, it will help us in our attempt to recover your property."

With so many people traveling over the holiday season, Ms. Bailey said timers should be set for home lights, and neighbors should be asked to pick up mail and newspapers.

"Neighbors should work with each other. Though we have a House Watch program, a neighbor is the best person to be able to tell if something is amiss. We still depend on them for assistance," she said. "If you see anything suspicious, don't hesitate to call us. We will be glad to check it out."

Added Ms. Bailey: "We are not trying to scare anyone. We just want everyone to be aware of their surroundings and have a safe holiday season. Being aware is a good deterrent to crime."