Avoiding Holiday Theft

In the hustle of bustle of the holiday season, we would all love to believe that the world if full of angels singing, sleigh bells ringing, and cookies baking. That may be the case on the surface. However, the ugly truth is that the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day tend to be a prime season for criminals. (You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch!) During this busy time of year, you should take some very simple precautions to prevent becoming a victim of theft by following these safety tips:

When holiday shopping:

• Don't park in unlit areas at night.
• Put your shopping bags in your trunk. Don't try to cover items on your seats with a blanket. Even better, take your packages straight home after a shopping spree and then go back out.
• Don't carry large amounts of cash with you, or else, keep it in your front pocket not in your purse or wallet.
• Be extra careful when carrying a purse - they are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas. If you must carry one, make sure it has a thick strap that can go over the shoulder and be held under the arm, making them more difficult for purse snatchers to grab. Nowadays, some thieves even carry knives to quickly cut purse straps, so if you have one, it's best to carry a purse that has a strap with a chain on or around it.
• Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
• Beware of strangers approaching you. This is the time of year when thieves may try various methods to distract you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.
• If you are walking to your car and notice anyone watching you or just sitting in a car (especially a van) nearby, trust your instinct. If you are internally suspicious, then it is likely for a good reason. Turn around and go right back into the store or mall, then ask a Security Guard to escort you to your car. Your safety is their job, so do not hesitate to ask for assistance.

At Home:

• When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.
• Leave a light on when you leave your home at night or put your lights (including Christmas lights) on an automatic timer.
• Make sure your holiday gifts are not visible through the windows and doors of your home.
• Never say you are away from home on the outgoing message on you answering machine or voice mail. Simply say you are unable to get answer the phone at the time.
• Never post your vacation plans on any of the social networking web sites. This gives potential thieves all of the information they need to know when you will be away from home.
• Keep a record of all valuable purchases and their accompanying serial numbers. In the event that your valuables are stolen, this information can help law enforcement to find the criminal and your items if they are taken to a pawn shop.

Other Helpful Tips

· Research charities. Fake charities may contact you by phone, email or mail. Do not donate to a charity that you’re not extremely familiar or without checking them out at CharityNavigator.com or the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance.

· If a holiday travel deal sounds like a steal, it might be - stealing from you that is. If you’ve never heard of the travel site or promoter, don’t give out even basic information whether online, by phone or in writing. Be sure to research the company with the Better Business Bureau and read reviews from other travelers who have used them.

· Watch out for unfamiliar websites offering great deals on hot toys and in demand gadgets. If you get a “deal” e-mail, ignore it and if you think you want to check it out, go to the website directly without using email links that lead to scams. If the sale is legit the website will be advertising it.

· If shopping on E-bay or Craigslist, follow these BBB tips:

Do: Shop locally on Craigslist and make the transaction in person.

Don’t: Never wire transfer money – EVER!

Do: Research sellers on eBay. Check out their feedback and avoid those sellers with a large percentage of negative responses.

Don’t: Ignore instincts that something isn’t right about the deal.

Don’t: Give the cashier a Christmas bonus at the register. Always make sure the total you hear matches what you see on the register screen. Some cashiers will even turn or block the screen but don’t hesitate to ask to see it.

During the holidays, many people can become overwhelmed, careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crimes. Protect yourself, your home, and your family to ensure a safe and happy holiday season. The Foster Team wishes you all a Merry Christmas and Happy 2011!