Holiday shopping is a fun sport for some and a complete drag for others.

And despite the ease of online shopping these days, sometimes you simply have to head to the store for some items.

Unfortunately for those of us who find ourselves carrying bags through the parking lot in the middle of winter while trying to check off a gift list and remember if we even managed to eat a meal that day, there are people out there that plan to take advantage of those frazzled moments. Thieves and pickpockets know exactly when to strike and how to spot a good mark.

Here’s are some tips on how to avoid being their next victim so your holidays can stay merry and bright and free of police reports and insurance claims.

Some advice comes from police departments themselves, especially when it comes to not drawing attention to yourself as a possible mark.

Don’t “look the part”

If a criminal targets you, you’re NEVER to blame, no matter what you’re doing or wearing or driving.

But it’s true that you look like a good way for a thief to get all of THEIR Christmas shopping done at once if you look like you have money.

Some police recommend keeping the fancy jewelry at home while you’re doing your shopping – even at upscale stores.

And don’t assume that just because you’re shopping with people who look like you that you’re safe. Thieves can be anyone, from the middle-aged lady standing nearby to the teen lurking in the corner of the store.

Shopping seems like a great time to show off your new gold bracelet stack or take your new Louis Vuitton for a spin, but those items are eye-catching. Even if you don’t have cash in that purse, a nice one is worth enough on its own for a thief to try and take.

Keep cash to a minimum

This one can be tough for people who work in industries where they take home a lot of cash at the end of the day, like restaurant staff. But even if you had a wad of $1 bills, a wad of any kind of cash looks tempting from a distance. And, of course, once it’s gone it’s gone. There’s no tracing it or getting it back.

If you have a credit card, use that as much as you can and deposit the cash (inside the bank!) whenever possible. Credit cards are safer than debit cards too because they often come with theft protection if someone happens to steal just your card number instead of the whole card.

At least if you get your wallet swiped you can cancel your cards and mitigate some of the damage.

Shop when the sun is up

We know, another tough one. You’re at work all day. It feels like the sun sets right after lunch in December.

It’s not a hard and fast rule but it makes sense that it’s easier for criminals to strike when visibility is not at its best.

Grab a buddy

If you can, try to shop with a friend. They can act as someone to bounce ideas off of as well as be an extra pair of eyes when it comes to guarding your valuables while you shop.

Stay in the spotlight

Ah, parking at Christmastime – everyone’s favorite sport.

If you have a choice (and sometimes you really don’t, we get it!), always try to park under street lamps or in other lighted areas. Those dark spots way out in the back of the parking lot are much easier for criminals to hit.

On the bright side, that’s sometimes where the police are parked as well, looking for precisely those opportunists.

If you have to park there, be sure to lock your doors and keep EVERYTHING (even your spare change) that’s not bolted down out of sight.

Having a bunch of shopping bags in the back seat draws prying eyes. Covering them up with a blanket might do some good, but then they really just look like a bunch of shopping bags covered in a blanket.

Use your trunk or put things under the seats if they fit.

Handbag etiquette

Thieves don’t only strike at Nordstrom. They’re just as happy to grab what they can during the holidays while you’re stocking up at the grocery store.

If you have a crossbody handbag, now is the time to use it. And NEVER put a purse in the front of your cart. It takes two seconds for you to reach up and grab the cereal or a toy and only one for someone to swipe your bag and start heading for the door.

This is another good time to remember that a thief can easily be a mom shopping with her kid – not everyone goes out dressed like the Hamburgler to commit crimes.

Police have even recommended attaching a carabiner to your purse so you can hook it on to your shopping cart, making a quick swipe less likely.

It’s also a good idea to carry a purse that secures all the way across. Zip it up and don’t keep valuables in the outside pockets.

Don’t text and shop

Your phone is a great tool to use while you’re shopping. You can check prices, text people about sizes, send photos of items, etc.

But you also have to think like a thief. Someone whose eyes are on their phone has their eyes OFF their valuables. It’s the perfect time to catch you off guard and swipe your bags when you’re not looking.

Carry your keys in the parking lot

While you have a moment to collect yourself free from the hustle and bustle of people passing by, be sure to put your keys in an easy-to-reach place.

Fumbling in your bag or deep pockets for keys in the parking lot means you’ve probably put down your shopping bags.

This provides thieves with a great opportunity to come by and pick them up.

The more you know

Even the U.S. Army wants to keep you safe from holiday thieves. Here is some more advice from them about how to shop smart during the holidays:

• Do not buy more than you can carry.
• Save all receipts together to help you verify credit card or bank statements as they arrive.
• Wait until asked before taking out your credit card or checkbook.
• Carry your purse close to your body or your wallet inside a coat or front trouser pocket.
• Tell a security guard or store employee if you see an unattended bag or package.
• If you are shopping with children, make a plan in case you are separated from each other.
• Use automated teller machines in highly populated areas.
• Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason.

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Be safe out there this holiday season. Even if you manage to do all of your shopping online, package thefts from front porches and apartment buildings are on the rise as well.

For information on preventing “porch pirates” from stealing your holiday booty, click here for some great tips.

And scroll down below for a video with some more holiday shopping advice from Inside Edition.

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Source: Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons, Windham, NH Police Department, Inside Edition via YouTube, Army.mil