How to avoid being a victim of Christmas crime

Each year, the holiday season is marked by great joy and an upswing in crime activity.

To keep you from becoming a victim of Christmas crime as you go about your seasonal shopping, the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service wants you carry your purse in a different way, change your parking habits at the mall, and to check the front and rear floors of your vehicle each time you enter it.

Here's the list of Christmas crime-busting ideas they've released this morning: **************************************************************** Holiday Safety Tips Be alert: Walk confidently, with your head up, and stay in well-lighted and well-traveled areas. Pay attention to people walking in front of and behind you. Pay particular attention when you are in crowded areas, such as buses or malls and stores that are filled with other shoppers. Places with large crowds are favorites for thieves and pickpockets.

If you carry a purse, keep it in front of you and close to your body. You can do this by covering the flap or clasp with your hand or forearm. Never leave your purse in a shopping cart or on a counter while you pay for your purchases.

When using public washrooms, use extreme caution -- try to avoid putting your purse on hooks or door handles. Remember not to carry open-weave bags or purses without zippers or flaps. Those items are easy marks for pickpockets.

Be discreet: Never carry large amounts of money. Whenever possible, use credit cards or checks instead of cash. When using credit cards, make sure that only one credit slip is printed with your charge card. Also, be sure to tear up any carbons that may be used to complete the transaction. Credit card fraud can ruin your holiday season.

Thieves and pickpockets are more likely to be attracted by expensive clothes and jewelry. When you are out doing your holiday shopping, dress comfortably and casually.

Secure your car: Cars can be an easy target for criminals. Park your car as close to your destination as possible and in a well-lighted area. When you do your shopping, remember to store your packages in the trunk of the car and not on the back seat. Also, if you take packages to the car but plan to return to the store or mall, drive your car to a new location within the parking lot.

Criminals can be on the lookout for unsuspecting shoppers who simply drop their purchases into the trunk and then return to keep shopping.

When returning to your vehicle (or home), have your keys in your hand, ready to open the door. The few moments you save may keep you from becoming a crime victim. Before entering your vehicle, carefully check the front and rear seats and floors for anyone that may be hiding there. Lock your doors immediately after entering the vehicle.

Secure your home: When you are out shopping, leave some lights on at home. You may also want to let a neighbor know that you will be out of the house for a short time, so they can watch your house for you.

If you plan to be away for a longer period to visit friends or family over the holidays, make sure to tell a neighbor or friend who can keep an eye on your house. Have them check periodically to make sure packages that may have been delivered while you were gone aren't sitting on your porch.

**************************************************************** More overnight crime news

Today's City Police Beat, accessible from the link near the top left of this page, includes details of the following:

- another Station Mall patron charged with assaulting security staff after being arrested for shoplifting

- a deflating experience for Kristine Ruggles of Woodward Avenue

- Colin West of Woodhurst Street charged with practising his penmanship on stolen checks that he cashed for more than $10,000

- West End youth gets fat lip, teeth punched out