The holiday season is a time when busy people can become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime. The following tips can help you be more careful, prepared and aware during the holiday season.

• 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.
• Don't dangle your handbag from your shoulder. You are creating a perfect setup for a purse-snatcher. Instead, keep your purse tucked tightly under your arm, or better yet, don't even carry a purse. Wear a fanny pack facing the front instead.
  Besides allowing your hands to be free to hold onto or carry your child, you’ll eliminate the possibility of leaving your purse behind or having it stolen.
• Make sure your purse is closed/zipped/snapped shut. It’s easy to walk away from your shopping cart and leave your purse unattended. It becomes a perfect easy target for theft.
• Always carry driver license or identification card along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use.
• Avoid carrying your checkbook, cash, and credit cards all together in one wallet, because a thief who gets the whole package together can cash checks with your identification and run up a large credit card bill in a short amount of time.
  Keep your keys separate, too.
• Don't "flash" large rolls of money in public. You never know who's watching!
• Spread your money around in different pockets. That way a pickpocket can't clean you out in one fell swoop.
• Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.
• Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.
• Check to see you’ve been given back your card once you’ve paid for what you bought.
• Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
• 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.
• Consolidate as many packages as possible, or make several trips to your car to deposit packages in the trunk. Don't allow yourself to become so burdened down with packages that you become a tempting target.
• Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings.

In the Parking Lot:

• Always park where there is plenty of light, not only around your car, but also from your car to the mall or store entrance.
• Once your car is parked, familiarize yourself with its location so you can find it without delay.
• Don't hesitate to ask for a security escort if you feel unsafe.
• Use the trunk of your car to keep your packages out of sight.
• Keep your car locked at all times.
• When walking through parking lots, be sure that you are aware of your surroundings. Walk with authority. Don't look like a victim!
• Have your keys in your hand before you go to your car.

This tip courtesy of Brevard County Sheriff's Office