It is that time of year again when shoppers will be out in full force. Unfortunately the economy has effected us all and as a result I suspect that criminal element will also be out in full force as well.

I would like to offer some friendly things to help make your Holiday shopping season go a little easier and most of all safer.

Tip # 1.  Please cover your purchased items when at all possible while inside your vehicle so as not to encourage tempting and wandering eyes. Some vehicles now have valet options where you may be able to better secure your trunk space making it harder to access. The best place to secure your items is inside your vehicle trunk because the items are out of sight so the contents are not visible.

Tip # 2. If you are planning a long shopping spree at the same location and must make drop-offs at your vehicle, Please be aware of who is around you. While walking to your vehicle look around long before arriving at your vehicle to see who might be loitering and out of place. Keep your vehicle keys readily available to open your vehicle long before arriving at your vehicle.

Tip # 3. Try not to carry large amounts of cash. If you must carry cash to purchase items then avoid displaying your cash as much as possible.Try to avoid large carry bags or purses this time of year as they are easily grabbed and even sometimes forgotten when shopping inside stores. Credits cards and bank debit cards are highly suggested for purchasing items this time of year. Most credit cards now offer some type of free buyers protection and with the economy the way it is every dollar well spent can be a savings in the long run if you have trouble with your purchased items.

Tip # 4. Cell phones are an invaluable tool especially this time of year. Please be aware your phone company provider may have options like GPS tracking, and some type of parental monitoring and controls for children's telephones. Please activate these functions if you will be allowing your children to shop away from you or alone. Preset emergency telephone numbers into your telephone and if available use a hot key for one touch dialing.

Many people are not aware that if you dial 911 from a cellular telephone you will receive an operator from the Highway Patrol. If this occurs please be aware of your location so assistance may reach you or in the event you are transferred to another Law Enforcement agency. For ease and reference please note the following numbers that you may report suspicious or criminal activity. Kern County Sheriff Dispatch (661)861-3110, Bakersfield Police Dispatch (661)327-7111.

Tip # 5. Please be aware of door-to-door salesmen this time of year. Do not open your residence door to allow views into your home as they may be intentionally looking to see what you may have of value. Please never invite anyone that cannot be identified easily into your home. Please be aware of who has recently been to your residence or in your neighborhood in the event a burglary occurs.

Consider people like your gardener, pest control, alarm company, contractors, cleaning person, pool cleaner and even though it is unfortunate a relative you believe might be a little shady. It helps to identify people that may be responsible and 'Yes' these type of people have all been responsible for burglaries because they usually have a right to be at your residence for extended periods of time to see what you may have.

Be aware of vehicles that are unfamiliar in your neighborhood especially day after day. some vehicles just do not fit into the neighborhood they are parked, or they just appear out of the blue and are parked for several days with no identifiable owner. Report it to have Law Enforcement check on them if it seems suspicious.

Tip # 6. Vehicles now tend to come with some type of vehicle access remote and may even have an alarm feature. Think of this when you may need some type of assistance. We all look when a vehicle alarm goes off or seems to have been going off for an extended period of time. You never know where a Good Samaritan may be to help assist you.

Maybe you do not have an alarm on your home but your vehicle is equipped with an alarm. Keep your vehicle keys readily available by your bedside as it may be used to summon a neighbor or alert someone you need assistance inside your home.

Tip # 7. Consider shopping with someone this time of year. With the large crowds it really is safer when you are in groups or pairs. Think of it as The Buddy System for safe shopping. Most victims tend to be alone and unaware of who may be around them. An extra set or eyes and ears can never hurt.

Tip # 8. If you need to report suspicious activity think of some of the following ideas. If it is a person, try looking at the person from head to toe and observe what they are wearing. When you relay the information to Law Enforcement tell them the information from head to toe. You will be asked things like (hair color, shirt, pants shoes jacket colors, hats, approximate age, how tall and also what ethnicity and gender, facial hair like a mustache or beard, scars marks and maybe tattoos). Also if there are weapons used and you are able to safely identify what is being used that information is invaluable to responding police.

If it is a vehicle try to obtain a license plate and vehicle description. Color and how many vehicle doors and/or body damage to the vehicle, who makes the vehicle and maybe even how many people are in the vehicle if it is being driven. If you can see who is driving the vehicle if it is safe and obtain a description of the person driving.

The idea here is being safe and getting somewhere safe if you can while also reporting what is happening to someone that can assist you. Try to be the best witness you can to better assist Law Enforcement.

Finally have a safe Holiday Season.