Almost everyone enjoys the festive season or at least the most of it, perhaps with the exception of having to battle crowed parking lots and busy stores to get the Christmas shopping done. Even this can be turned into a pleasant experience with a little planning and by doing so it may even increase your security level.

Instead of planning your shopping trip during the busy times why not do something out of the normal and shop in the off peak hours. Now this may mean being at the mall doors as soon as they open but it is one way of beating the rush and maybe the Christmas crooks as well, referring to those criminals who like to rip people off during the holidays.

Now there are no guarantees that you won’t become the victim of a crime by shopping early, but most thieves like to go about their horrid deeds when the stores are packed and super busy.

They also like to target the parking areas when they are full because it is more likely someone has left their car unlocked. They may be less likely to draw attention to themselves too, because there are so many people coming and going, and they are so caught up in their Christmas shopping tasks they may not be as alert as to what is going on around them.

Then it may be that your house being left vacant during your shopping time that is done in the morning may not be quite as vulnerable. Most crooks like to work at night where they are not as apt to be seen like they would in daylight.

Now we are talking here in general because there are simply some thieves that will go about their deeds anywhere at anytime.

All of this is meant to bring to your attention that although you are likely caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season you just can’t let your guard down. Make sure when out in public that your purse is closed well and don’t set it down for any reason. For you men make sure that your wallet is tucked deep into your pants pockets and stay aware of anyone that is especially close to you, although in the shopping scene at Christmas this is likely to be a common event.

The festive season is a wonderful time of year so don’t let some thief try and spoil it for you.