Unfortunately, the holiday season often sees a considerable spike in crime statistics. Burglaries in particular are on the rise, as thieves are well aware that people are out buying Christmas or Hanukah gifts for friends and family. Thus, homes and vehicles both become frequent targets.

There are a quite a few practical things you can do to minimize your risks at home. Planning ahead and picking up presents throughout the year is a tactic that lessens the chance of a crook witnessing your haul of packages into the house at one time. When you have numerous valuable gifts stored in the house, don't put them all together in one place. That way, if someone does break in and takes items, it's unlikely (or less likely) that they'll find, and make off with, everything.

Having a home security alarm system and reliable monitoring service is, of course, an optimum means of adding safety to your residence and family year-round. There are many resources that offer a lot of valuable information, which could prove priceless in protecting your household and loved ones (not to mention all those holiday-season presents).

Regarding automobile security, authorities have long warned us not to load vehicles with presents, then return to the store or shopping mall in order to shop some more! That's just begging criminals to get into the car once you're gone and take the holiday loot. Even though shopping center parking lots may be crowded, we can't expect other harried shoppers, preoccupied with their own tasks, to notice a skilled thief slipping into your car and taking bags and boxes.

Do not park in an area that's secluded. By being in a high-visibility location, you're increasing your chances of having an aware passer-by take note of the suspicious activity. Naturally, there is no guarantee, but the more visible you and the vehicle are, the more likely you are to be safe.

Considering personal safety, dress comfortably and don't dress up. You don't want to look wealthy. Keep the flashy bling jewelry and any shows of being well-to-do to a minimum. Do not carry a lot of cash, take only one or two credit cards, and have copies of the cards and your ID at home. That way, if a purse snatcher grabs your handbag, you'll be able to quickly cancel the cards and you won't have to endure a big monetary loss. Keep your keys in a pocket or clipped with a carabineer on a belt loop, rather than in your purse. This will give you the means to drive home even if your bag is taken and, if the criminal happened to watch where you parked, it means they won't be able to steal your vehicle.

Lastly, whether out shopping or at home, be alert and aware of any suspicious person. If you ever feel
threatened or notice strange behavior, don't be afraid to alert the authorities. At home, your security system representatives will be happy to help and to answer questions. Should a break-in occur, they'll get the police out to your home very quickly. In a store or mall, security guards and trained store personnel are available to help protect customers from any form of criminal activity.