Christmas Shopping Safety Tips

Park your car in busy, well-lit areas of store lots. If you are forced to park far, you're welcome to ask fellow shoppers or even store employees for an escort.

Avoid parking garages if you can. These tend to be more dangerous as there are dark corners and more places to hide.

Triple check that your car is locked. There is no harm in clicking the button a few extra times as you're walking away.

Always be alert of your surroundings. That's a given.

Leave your junk in the trunk. Seriously. Hide your shopping bags in the trunk so they aren't visible through the windows. Leaving your items in plain-view will certainly be tempting for thieves.

Make it a girls-day-out or guys-day-out. Shop with family or friends if possible to avoid being alone.

Don't talk to strangers. If someone approaches you and makes you uncomfortable, ignore them. If someone is following you, head towards security to scare them off and/or dial 911.

Keep an eye on your plastic. If you can't find your credit or debit card, immediately call your bank to cancel. Now is not the time to deal with fraud!

Don't carry tons of cash. If someone does happen to attempt to rob you, it'd be much less awful if they got away with $40 rather than $400.

Hide your cash in unconventional places. In your sock, your pocket, or other inconspicuous places.

Attach your closed purse to your shopping cart. This will make it nearly impossible for thieves to grab your purse and belongings and vanish.