The B.C. Crime Prevention Association has released some tips to make shopping a safer and happier experience this Christmas season.

 Unfortunately, the Christmas season is a draw for criminals who see these situations as opportunities to take advantage of consumers, who should always remember that criminals also have Christmas shopping lists.

 “Shoppers need to develop a personal safety radar,” said association executive director Valerie MacLean. “They should constantly be aware of what is happening around them, especially behind them.

“With the current economic downturn, more people become desperate for money and there is the potential for more crime.”

Here are some tips from the association: 

• Before setting out, remove from your wallet or purse any credit cards and other valuable identification you will not need.

• When using an ATM or withdrawing cash at a bank wicket, make sure you safely store money beneath your clothing in a fanny pack or front pocket. Do not leave the ATM/bank with cash visible in your hand

• Use a credit card for your purchases as this gives you recourse in case there are problems later with your purchase and chargeback protection.

• At the cash register, make sure you get your own credit card back and receipts for your purchase. If you use a debit card, protect your personal identification number (PIN) and be aware of anyone watching you enter your PIN.

• When your shopping is complete, check your bank-account and credit-card balances on a regular basis. The sooner you become aware of unauthorized transactions, the sooner you can alert your financial institution or credit-card issuer to rectify the problem.

• Shopping malls are full of people doing the same thing as you, but watch for pickpockets. Crowded stores and food courts are perfect places for theft of wallets and purses left unguarded. Be aware of the risk of purse snatchings. Remember that your personal safety comes first. Don’t put yourself at further risk by fighting with a purse snatcher. It’s not worth it.

• Be especially careful about leaving purses and wallets exposed in shopping carts. The risk of theft is high when you turn your back or are otherwise distracted. Be alert to distraction theft. Watch for pairs of individuals who have a routine of distracting you to pull a theft. Wherever you are, don’t leave purses or wallets open or unzipped

• Plan to leave your heaviest purchases to the last, but don’t be so overburdened with packages that you leave yourself vulnerable to theft. Better to store some purchases in the trunk of your car and continue shopping with greater freedom. If your trunk is so equipped, disengage the latch so that if a thief breaks into your car he cannot push the dashboard trunk release.

• Have a shopping plan so that you are better organized. This reduces the risk of forgetfulness and keeps you focused upon your personal safety.

• There is safety in numbers. Take a companion with you if possible as this will significantly reduce the risk of theft. Women especially are advised to have a male companion. Always carry a cell phone so that you have quick access to emergency services