Dec 21 2012, 10:43 am

Officer Erik’s professional holiday victim check list.

You may be a professional victim if you:

Leave your car unlocked.

Carry every credit card known to man when you shop.   

At night park in an unlit area of the mall and walk to your car by yourself.

Walk to your car with ear buds in and music blaring.

Leave packages in your car where they can be seen.

Put packages in the trunk and don’t lock the car 

Leave your purse and keys in an unlocked car. Even if it’s in your driveway.

Leave your home unlocked at any time. 

Leave your garage door open and the access door to you home unlocked.

Use your credit card on an unsecured web site.

Things you can do to protect yourself.

Carry a purse with zipable compartments and zip them.

Use a purse that has a long strap and put it over your arm and head.  

If someone bumps into you immediately check your purse.

Carry your keys in your pocket. If you purse is snatched they won’t be able to drive away in your car and be in and out of your house before you get there.

Don’t leave your purse unattended in a shopping cart.

If you must put your purse in the cart, loop the child safety strap through the handles.  Makes it harder to grab and run.

Don’t be afraid to ask store security to walk you to your car. Don’t ask them to help carry your packages.

If you feel uneasy, there is a reason.  Listen to your inner warning system.

Be safe out there. This holiday season don’t drink and drive and please take care of your personal and financial safety.