Shopping

• Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member and park in an area with adequate lighting.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• Park as close as you can to your destination and take notice of where you parked.
• Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with children inside.
• Shopping with kids? Teach them to go to a store clerk or security guard if you get separated.
• Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. This creates a temptation for thieves. If you must leave something in the car, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight.
• Be sure to locate your keys before going to your car.
• Remain aware of your surroundings at all times and move to and from your vehicle with confidence and "purpose.”
• Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag and shopping bags. Do not put them down or on top of the car in order to open the door.
• Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area.
• Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, "con-artists" may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.

Online Shopping

• Links in emails, tweets, posts, and online advertising are often how criminals compromise your computer. If it looks suspicious, it’s best to delete it.
• Don’t share personal or financial information over an unsecured network (a connection that doesn’t require a password for access).
• Make sure the site you are ordering from is legitimate.
• Use safe payment options. Credit cards are generally the safest option because they allow buyers to seek a credit from the issuer if the product isn’t delivered or isn’t what was ordered. Never send cash through the mail or use a money-wiring service.
• Keep a paper trail. Save records of your online transactions. Read your credit card statements as soon as you get them to make sure there aren’t any unauthorized charges. If there is a discrepancy, call your bank and report it immediately.

At Home

• Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes.
• When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.
• Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer.
• Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied.
• Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home.
• Create an up-to-date home inventory including make, model, serial numbers, other detailed descriptions, and photographs of items of value (including jewelry). This inventory should be kept somewhere safe.
• Contact the Greenville Police Department (329-4300) to request extra patrols of your residence while you are out of town.

Strangers at Your Door

• Be aware that criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts.
• It is not uncommon for criminals to take advantage of the generosity of people during the holiday season by soliciting donations door-to-door for charitable causes although no charity is involved.
• Ask for their identification, and find out how the donated funds will be used. If you are not satisfied, do not donate.
• Donate to a recognized charitable organization.

After You've Opened the Gifts

• Avoid becoming an easy target for post-holiday burglars by not leaving boxes for new electronics and other items by the curb or other garbage pick-up locations.
• Break down any boxes you are throwing out, put them in garbage bags and place them inside a trash can.
• Think about keeping broken-down boxes inside until the evening before your regular garbage pick-up. Some burglars actually look inside garbage cans for evidence of holiday gifts.