SAFETY: THE PRICELESS GIFT!

That's it! The year is almost gone and believe it or not Christmas is closer than we wished. This is the time when we regret not saving enough during the year and with the economy as it is we can expect not only a really skinny Santa Claus this year, but also crime everywhere. Don't let these holidays surprise you unaware and unsafe. Fight crime before it hits you. Here some safety advises you will never regret:

- Leave your small children safe at home with your spouse, your mom or a reliable baby sitter. Crowded stores are ideal to get distracted and leave your children unattended. Remember predators are always looking for the opportunity, don't take any chances with your kids!

- If you go shopping at night never go by yourself! And if you do, choose a store with a very good lighted parking lot and never solitary. Park as close to the store as possible and never leave when they about to close the store.

- If you are coming from the office, dress comfortable, "crooks" love women trapped in tide skirts, pantyhoses and wearing high heels, because they CANNOT MOVE! and if on top of that they are loaded with bags...is like their perfect Christmas present, all wrapped up and ready to be assaulted! Make sure you always have one hand free and remember that you legs are your stronger point, the biggest men will drop on their knees (although I have seen some exceptions) if they are kicked on their "pride".

- Before you leave the store check your surroundings for suspicious cars with occupants and if you do not feel safe call 911 to check the vehicle (99% of the times an isolate vehicle with two men in the middle of a deserted parking lot at night only mean one thing: they are waiting for the right moment and the right victim).

- Never carry too much cash or important documents like your social security card or other personal information. Try not to bring a purse, instead carry just the necessary in your pocket. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes and invest in a key chain provided with a panic button or other similar device. Criminals don't like noise because it gets attention.

- Don't get distracted talking on the cellular phone while you walk to your vehicle and as soon as you open the door get inside and lock your doors.

- Don't get loaded with bags, do the big shopping in day light. The majority of the victims are attacked while loading the trunk with the bags. And please NEVER! leave your kids inside of an unlocked vehicle while you unload the shopping cart. You will loose your vehicle, your bags, purse and worse of all: your kids! If your kids are old enough to carry a bag give them a light one, it is better to entered all together in the vehicle and leave right away. If what you have purchased is to big and heavy or you have too many bags have an store clerk help you with with the loading and unloading.

- Never get separated from your kids. Even the oldest ones are at risk! Predators love the Electronics Section of the stores because they are full of distracted unattended kids playing the video demos.

- Again, if for any circumstances you have to stop by a store late at night make sure that someone knows where you are. Before you get out of the vehicle check your surrounding and park under a light pole. Walk fast and don't take your purse with you, just your keys and the money in your pocket or your credit card. When you get out look from the distance under your vehicle and unlock it before you get to it so you can entered and lock the door immediately. DO NOT figure your check book while you are still parked, you can do this at home! Leave as soon as you start the engine.

Make SAFETY FIRST!! your priority these Holidays. In your list... that's a priceless gift!