During the holidays, consumers must be careful when they are shopping. To prevent crime during this joyous season, we encourage you to take time to read and share these tips with friends and family.

Be alert: Walk confidently with your head up and stay in well-lit and well-traveled areas. Pay attention to your surroundings. Make sure not to wear headphones/earbuds so that you can hear if someone comes up behind you. If you carry a purse, keep it front of you and close to your body. You can do this 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. Stay off your cell phone-smart phone thefts have been a major issue in recent years; don’t advertise that you have one.
Be discreet: Never carry large amounts of money. If possible, use credit cards or checks instead of cash. 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.

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, or if you plan to be out of your house for a longer amount of time make sure you notify them as well so they can keep an eye on your house. If you are going on vacation and it snows, ask a neighbor to shovel your sidewalk or make entrance in the snow so that it looks like someone is home.
Disposal: Leaving a big screen TV box in the alley advertises exactly what you have in your house. Make sure to break down boxes and turn them inside out to prevent this. Even better, put the boxes out the day before your recycling pick-up.
* Brought to you by the Chicago Police Department