When dashing out for holiday purchases this holiday season, the Arlington Police Department Community Services Division says stay alert and follow these safety tips:

• Avoid shopping alone. Use the buddy system whenever possible.
• Shop before dark and always park in well-lighted areas.
• Use waist-pack carriers instead of purses.
• Make sure all doors and windows are locked in your vehicle and home.
• Do not keep packages in plain view in your vehicle or home.
• Do not count cash in open areas, especially after leaving an ATM machine.
• Keep your address and home phone number private. When stores request a phone number, give only your work number.
• After making a credit card purchase, request the carbon copy and destroy it in private.
• Have keys in hand before returning to the vehicle.
• As you approach the car, check to see if anyone is hiding underneath or inside.

At Home

• When going out for the evening, turn on lights, a radio, or television to make your home or apartment appear occupied.
• Keep the garage door closed to prevent thefts.
• If you plan to be out of town for a few days, purchase an automatic timer for lights.
• Have a trusted neighbor watch your home and pick up your mail and newspapers. Ask them to park a vehicle in your driveway.
• Immediately after the holidays, mark new purchases and gifts with your driver's license number. You can check out an engraver from a neighborhood fire station or the Crime Prevention Unit of the Arlington Police Department.

On the Computer

• Shop only from well-established and reputable companies. Avoid auction sites if you do not feel comfortable buying or bidding.
• Before you give your credit card information, take note of the icons that indicate that security software is in place to secure your purchase.
• Print out and date a copy of all terms, conditions, warranties, item description, company information and confirming e-mails. Save this information as a record of your purchase.
• Avoid computer viruses and unwanted access to your information by not accepting e-mail from people you do not know.