Indian River offers the following precautionary tips and prevention measures that can help keep your holiday shopping season joyous. The holiday season is a time when people can become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime incidents. The following tips are a compilation of many publications and can help you be more careful, prepared and aware of your surroundings during the holiday season. • Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member. • Dress casually and comfortably. • Avoid wearing expensive jewelry. • Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible. • Always carry your driver’s license or Identification Cards. • Stay alert to your surroundings. • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. • Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible. • Keep cash in your front pocket. • Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused. • Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home. • Be extra careful when you carry a wallet or purse. • Avoid overloading yourself with packages. • Maintain clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps. • Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason.