Use caution and stay safe while shopping

Shopping with a buddy is always safer than shopping alone. Sisters Crystal Rice, left, of Georgia and Julie Wagner of Illinois started filling their Christmas lists together while in town visiting their mother, Andrea Ruskey. (T-G Photo by Mary Reeves) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Do you think pickpockets only work in the big cities?

Think again.

Just last week a wallet was stolen from the purse of a customer at a local Chinese restaurant. The victim told police said a woman "bumped" her while she was at the checkout counter but she didn't think anything of it until she returned home and discovered the wallet was missing.

Holidays shopping season poses dangers on several levels. Thieves know people tend to carry more money with them as they head out with the Christmas wish lists, and the shoppers themselves are either filled with the holiday spirit or overwhelmed by the idea of fighting the holiday crowds. Tired or elated, the shoppers can get a little careless in the crush. You've got an armful of bags -- why not set them or your purse on the top of your car while you unlock the door? Because it only takes seconds for a thief to run up and grab the bags, the purse or both, that's why.

Law enforcement officials have several tips to help everyone get through the shopping frenzy with their belongings -- and themselves -- intact.

* Be alert. Smash-and-grab thieves aren't the only criminals working the crowds. Con artists and quick change artists can approach you as well, banking . Avoid strangers and try not to go shopping alone, especially at night.

* If you do go shopping alone, let someone know exactly where you are going and when you expect to be back. If you go with children, remind them of your safety rules, and how to contact a police officer or store employee if you get separated.

* Don't be a target. Wearing expensive jewelry sends a signal to the watching thieves, so leave the diamonds and gold at home or under wraps. Don't bury yourself in packages, bags and boxes so that you can barely see where you are going -- or what is coming.

* Dress down. Ignore the snotty Internet comments about how those "Walmart shoppers" dress -- high heels or suit jackets will only get in the way if you need to move quickly to safety. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and comfortable, low- or flat-heeled shoes.

* Keep the cash at hand to a minimum, and what you do have on you, keep in a front pocket. Purses and those back-pocket wallets are bull's-eyes for purse snatchers and pickpockets. Credit cards, debit cards, travelers checks and checks are better -- if they are stolen, you are more protected. Just contact the issuer as soon as possible after the theft. Make sure you've got a record of the credit card numbers stashed in a safe place at home for reference when making the call.

* Remember where you parked, and have your key in your hand as you approach the vehicle. Check the back seat -- make sure no one got in while you were shopping.

* If you're making multiple dashes to the car to stow your stuff, put it in the trunk or hide it under something such as a blanket. Don't leave CD players, cameras, cell phones, or other tempting goodies out for people to see.

Once you get home, don't drop the awareness level. The thieves also know shoppers returning to the house are bearing valuable packages, and more may be stored inside. Safety precautions should begin before you even leave the house to head for the shops.

* Lock your doors and windows. As charming as Bedford County is, it isn't Mayberry, and even Mayberry had thieves.

* If you're going to be gone overnight or longer, have friends and neighbors keep an eye on the house and pick up the mail. Timers for indoor and outdoor lights are helpful in creating the illusion of someone in the home, or you can leave a few lights on, as well as a radio or television.

* If you've got a massive pile of Christmas bounty wrapped and under the tree, make sure it's not visible from the window.

* When you're unloading the results of your holiday shopping, don't leave the trunk or car unlocked while taking the first batch inside. Having to unlock it again may be a hassle, but not as much of a hassle as having to replace stolen presents.