*According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, there is a combined national increase of burglaries in the U.S. from November through December each year, nearing 400,000.
Here are a few tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe during the holidays.
Shopping Tips
 Always try to shop with other people
Keep one arm free at all times
Take your bags out to your car periodically and make sure they are secure in your trunk
If possible try not to shop with small children during the holidays
Park your vehicle in a well-lit well-traveled area of the parking lot
Observe your surroundings before exiting and entering your vehicle
Lock and secure your doors and trunk
Stay alert at all times
Donation Precautions
Make sure that the charity you are donating to is legitimate
Make sure that your money is going to a worthy cause
Ask questions and for identification
Call and verify the organization
Pay by check and never cash
Be cautious of charities that offer to send a courier to pick up your donation
Car Safety Tips
Never get into a stranger's car or lean into a stranger's car with your back to the person. Just because someone seems old or disabled doesn't mean they can't hurt you. Women have a tendency to be sympathetic, make sure these sympathies are not played on.
If you are thrown into the trunk of a car kick out the tail lights and stick your hand out the holes and wave your arm about. The driver will not see this but all passing vehicles will.
If someone pulls up to you in a car pointing a gun at you telling you to get in, DO NOT get in, start running away from the car toward its rear and start screaming.
If someone has gotten into your passenger side door or into the backseat and is telling you to drive them somewhere do not drive off, instead drive into a stationary object and get out of the car and run.
Avoid parking next to large trucks or vans. If a van parks next to your driver's side door, climb into your car from the passenger side so you cannot be pulled into the van via the sliding side door.
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