A Safety Guide to Holiday Shopping

Ah, the holidays. Family is back in town. Friends are visiting. Time to head into the city — or the malls and the local shopping districts—in droves.

Just keep an eye out. Amid the twinkling lights, bell ringing and festive Christmas music, the serious business of gift shopping is in full swing.

Police warn that thieves are waiting for stressed-out shoppers distracted by long lists, impatient children, inclement weather and the sudden thought: Where, in the world did I park the car?

Police and other security personnel are extra vigilant, with the streets and malls bustling, but they can't do it all. Bay Area law enforcement officials are urging shoppers — whether in your small town or  the big city — to look out for themselves and keep the holiday safe and happy.

In addition to advice from the San Ramon Police Department in its quarterly newsletter, Patch asked for holiday safety tips from local law enforcement and San Francisco Safe, a nonprofit group that provides information in several languages.

Some of the following tips are common sense, but all are good to keep in mind:

1. First, the common sense. Men should carry their wallets in their front pockets, purses should be zipped and under your arm if possible. Packages should not be visible inside a car and vehicles should be locked. Be aware of your surroundings, carry only small amounts of cash and a couple of credit cards.  
2. Don't overburden yourself with packages. Carrying several shopping bags can make you an attractive target. 
3. If shopping with children, have a plan if you become separated. "Teach them to go to a store clerk or security guard if you get separated," the San Ramon police crime prevention newsletter advises. "Also teach them your cell phone number or keep it written down on a piece of paper in their pocket."
4. Shop in pairs or groups — just like you should when you're hiking. Thieves are less likely to target people who aren't alone. 
5. Look like you know where you're going and be purposeful in your actions. Body language speaks volumes. "It's important not to look lost or confused,"said Irina Chatsova, public safety coordinator at San Francisco Safe. "Be assertive and act like you know what's going on." 
6. Put your credit card, debit card and PIN information on a document  at home. That way, all those bits and pieces of information are in one place. If something is stolen, your information is available. 
7. Police say the most common crime in San Ramon is theft from a vehicle. Park in a safe, well-lit spot and don't leave your belongings in sight. "Park in well-lit areas and be sure to lock the car, close all windows, and hide all personal effects and shopping bags in the trunk," San Ramon police warn. "If you are in a SUV, use the pull shade in the rear to hide these items."
8. On your way to the car, keep an eye out. "Remember to have your keys ready and stay alert when walking to your vehicle," says San Ramon police Crime Prevention Specialist Darlene Kittredge. "Do not walk to your vehicle distracted or on a cell phone with your hands full. That makes you an easily distracted target."
9. If there's an emergency, call 911. It's also good to save in your phone San Ramon's non-emergency police line: 925-973-2779.

Whether you find yourself at Santana Row, Union Square or Stoneridge Mall in Pleasanton — it pays to stay aware. 

Chatsova has a word of caution, too, about your new iPhone: "Don't use it in public," she said flatly. "About 70 percent of street robberies in San Francisco are iPhone grabbers." 

So, zip it up. Stride confidently into the crowds. And have fun. Happy holidays!