The holiday season can be one of the highest crime times of the year and the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office put together the following precautions to ensure the safety of you and your family:

Before You Shop
- Avoid carrying a purse. Use a fanny pack or deep pockets in clothing to carry what you need.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Pay for purchases with a check, credit card, or debit card when possible.
- Be extremely careful using ATM machines. Use them in populated places and be aware of what's going on around you.
- Teach children to go to a store clerk or security guard and ask for help if they become separated. They should never go into the parking lot alone.

While Shopping
- If you have to carry a purse, carry it close to your body and always zipped. Do not put it in a shopping cart.
- Park strategically--close to the mall is optimum. Park in well-lit areas.
- Know exactly where you park your car. Make a mental note or write it down so you will know exactly where to go when you leave the mall.
- Leave the mall well before closing time. This way, there is greater assurance you will walk out with other people. There is safety in numbers.
- Avoid shopping until you are exhausted. You are more alert when you are less tired.
- When hurried or in a crowded shop, make sure you get all forms of I.D. and credit cards returned to you before leaving.
- Mall security can escort you to your car upon request if you have too many packages or if you are leaving the mall after closing.
- When leaving, be aware of your surroundings. When approaching your car look around, underneath and inside your car for anything suspicious. Hiding in the parking lot is a common practice for criminals and they will take you by surprise.
- When leaving, have your keys in your hand and ready to use.
- Keep your packages stored out of sight in the trunk of your car.

At Home
- Keep gifts hidden from view through outside windows.
- After opening gifts, break down cardboard boxes of expensive electronics and fancy stores and put them in plastic bags to hide the fact you have valuable items in your home.
- Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave your house or apartment, even for a few minutes.
- Be wary of solicitations for charitable donations. They may attempt to take advantage of people's generosity during the holidays. Ask for identification, how donated funds are used, if contributions are tax deductible. If you are suspicious about their behavior contact your local law enforcement agency.