• Shop with someone, especially at night.
• Don't carry large sums of money and do not display it.
• Be sure your car is in good working condition and keep at least 1/4 tank of gas in it at all times.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to be back.
• Park in a well-lighted area, as close to the entrance as possible.
• Put all packages in the trunk, not on the floor.
• Keep purses and bags closed, securely under your arm, off the counter, out of the shopping cart and never let children carry them.

Traveling Tips

• Get an automatic timer for your lights.
• Ask a neighbor to watch your home, shovel snow, and park in the driveway from time to time.
• Don't forget to have mail and newspaper delivery stopped. If it piles up, it's a sure sign you're gone.
• Mark valuables with your NC driver's license number.
• Make sure the house is locked and the blinds are in their normal position.

Other Resources

National Crime Prevention Council

Most of the information above was obtained from the National Crime Prevention Council. Visit them at www.weprevent.org

Download the "Tips for Safe and Happy Holidays" Brochure
Download the "Playing it Safe on Halloween - Pointers for Parents" Brochure

The above brochures are in PDF format. Download a free copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Web Links

FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection - Holiday Shopping Tips
This site provides tips for safe holiday shopping both in stores and on the web.

Office of Fair Trading - Holiday Shopping Tips
This site provides tips for safe holiday shopping as well as other shopping tips.