Staying Safe During The Holidays
by Jonathan Merritt

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Christmas time is a wonderful time of year for most people, a time of giving, goodwill, fellowship and joy. For others, it is an opportunity to prey upon the unsuspecting. During the holidays, more people are out shopping for gifts and carrying more money and merchandise than usual.
Criminals are well aware of this fact, and the Christmas season is often a bonanza of opportunity for the determined thief or mugger. But you don't have to make it easy for them!
Fortunately, there are many things you can do to make yourself a less desirable "target", and reduce the possibility that you will be a victim of such unscrupulous characters. Common sense and "situational awareness" are two of your most powerful weapons against holiday crime. This article provides a collection of tips that you can apply to ensure that you and your loved ones have the kind of holiday season that you deserve.
Even though you may be rushing around and thinking about a thousand things, be alert to your surroundings at all times, as well as the people around you. If possible, always try to park your car in an area of high traffic. Always lock your car and close the windows, even if you are gone for only a few minutes. Try not to leave loose change or objects of value where they can easily be seen through car windows.
Criminals and desperate people will break your windows to acquire items of even the seemingly smallest value. Cell phones are highly desirable items -- they can be sold and re-programmed easily, and these items are often left visible connected to chargers. Place valuables in your trunk BEFORE you get to your destination, not after. A typical thief lurking in a parking lot looking for opportunity may be watching you.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Pay for purchase with a check or credit card when possible, and if the credit card receipt has carbons, ask for these too. If you must carry cash, keep it in your front pocket.
Be extra careful with purses and wallets -- they may become targets for crime in crowded shopping areas, bus stops, and public transportation areas. Avoid overloading yourself with packages when shopping. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of movement -- you may need to be able to react quickly.
Shop during daylight hours whenever possible, but if you must shop at night, make sure you have someone with you. Dress casually and comfortably, and avoid wearing expensive jewelry. Be wary of any strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, con-artists will try all kinds of ways to distract you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.
At home, make sure you always lock the doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes. Leave lights and a radio or television on so the house looks occupied. Do not put large displays of holiday gifts where they can be seen through windows -- this is an invitation for a break-in.
Many people have chosen to further ensure their safety and security by acquiring non-lethal personal protection devices, such as stun guns, pepper spray, or personal alarms. One highly reliable company that provides very high quality personal protection devices is 1st Defense Products.
This company also provides a free e-book called "The Essential Handbook of Personal Safety and Security" with any purchase, which includes these tips and many more. You can visit their website at 1st Defense Products or contact them by email at info@1stdefenseproducts.com.
Finally, remember to be a good friend and neighbor; share these tips with others in your family and neighborhood. You might even want to get your neighborhood together to go caroling, or perhaps go visit the elderly who might be especially lonely this holiday season. This may even be the beginning of a "neighborhood watch" group. After all, people helping people -- that is what it's all about isn't it?
(c) 2005 Jonathan Merritt, All rights reserved.

Author's URL: 1st Defense Products
Jonathan Merritt has over 20 years of experience in the security industry, and has written numerous articles on personal, family and home security. His company web site provides links to several government and community-based security information sites, as well as access to an informative newsletter, 1st Defense Network. For more information, visit 1st Defense Products.