While the holiday season can be a joyful and busy time of the year, the Arlington Police Department Community Services Division says always be alert and keep the following safety measures in mind.

• Be alert and aware of your surroundings.
• 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. If you have a purse, carry it under your arm or on a long strap around your neck. Keep a wallet in an inside jacket pocket, not in a back pants pocket.
• 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.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• 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.
• Teach your children to go to a store clerk or security guard and ask for help if you become separated.

• Be vigilant about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes.
• 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.

• 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.

• Keep your purse or wallet with you at all times or lock it in a drawer or closet.
• If a co-worker drinks too much at a holiday party, make arrangements for the individual to arrive home safely.