Recently, the Marin County Sheriff's office published some advice on how to have a safe holiday season. We thought these tips were worth sharing.

• Try to shop during the day, but if you do shop at night, do not do it alone.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or carrying large amounts of cash. Stay alert to what is going on around you even when you may be rushed or under stress. 
• Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.
• Keep cash in your front pocket.
• If you discover that a credit card is missing, notify the credit card company as soon as possible. Don't assume that you misplaced it and will find it later.
• Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
• Be vigilant if you carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, terminals, bus stops, on buses and other rapid transit.
• Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion if you are approached.
• Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, con-artists use a variety of diversionary tactics, including working in teams, with the intention of taking your money or belongings.
• If you shop online, make sure you can be home for the deliveries or have a neighbor pickup your packages so they aren’t on your doorstep all day as package theft increases during the holidays
• If you will travel during the holiday season, consider motion sensor lights and having internal lights on a timer to give an appearance of being home.
• Don’t let mail build up in your mail box or allow newspapers to pile up on the driveway.

Last but in no way least, be patient and extra cautious while driving. People tend to be under stress and distracted behind the wheel. Allow yourself extra time to arrive at your destination to minimize your own stress.

Happy and safe holidays from The Costa Group!

Article excerpt from San Rafael Patch.