Shopping, gifts, packages, thefts and safety are words that go together during the holiday season. An increase in shopping means an increase in the probability that thefts will occur.

The Cerritos College Police Department has created a list of crime prevention and safety tips for the holiday season that can be found on the .

The tips are:

• Lock packages in the trunk of your car or anywhere out of sight. Do not leave them in sight for everyone to see what you have purchased. Try to do this before going to where your car will be parked unattended.
• If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area. Lock your car and make sure your windows are closed.
• Avoid parking next to vehicles that block your view, such as vans, trucks with camper shells or cars with tinted windows.
• Be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Don’t allow your attention to become distracted from your purse or packages.
• Have your keys in hand when approaching your vehicle. You will be ready to unlock the door and will not be delayed by fumbling and looking for your keys.
• Carry a purse next to your body with the flap against you. Carry wallets in front or inside pockets.
• Thieves have started following around delivery trucks attempting to pick up items left unattended after delivery. If you cannot be there to receive delivery of an expected package, ask a neighbor to pick it up for you and get it from them when you return home.
• Don’t leave empty boxes from items received as gifts on the curb for trash pick-up. A box left on the side of the road, such as one from a new flat screen TV, serves as a beacon to thieves to let them know you have a nice new TV inside your home.
• Shut the blinds to your home during the day and when you are away from home, especially those near any Christmas trees. Holiday decorations tell would-be thieves where gifts are potentially located inside your home.
• Remember…if you see something say something!!

The Los Angeles Police Department also has tips for the holiday season that can be found on their website

The safety tips they have in their children section are tips that should be used at all times, not just for the holiday season.

The tips are:

• If possible, leave small children at home with a trusted babysitter.
• Teach your child to go to a store clerk and ask for help in case your child is separated from you.
• Teach children to stay close to you at all times while shopping.
• Never allow children to make unaccompanied trips to the restroom.
• Children should never be allowed to go to the car alone and they should never be left alone in the car.
• Teach children their full name, address and telephone number to give to police officers or mall security. Teach children to immediately inform you if a stranger is bothering them.

The offers more tips which are divided into the following sections:

• Driving
• Automated Teller Machine
• Shopping
• Children
• At home
• Operation identification
• Strangers at your door
• Hosting a party
• Attending a party

Some of the shopping tips are:

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.
• Keep cash in your front pocket.
• Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
• Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, transportation terminals, bus stops, on buses and other rapid transit.
• Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, “con-artists” may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.