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It is that time of year for Christmas shopping. With 'black Friday' starts the biggest shopping days of the year. And the bad guys know it too. They salivate over women with kids and seniors in mall parking lots loaded with goodies, kids and money. They are ripe and vulnerable targets.

Thousands of robberies happen this time of year and most of them never get solved. Part of the reason assaults and robberies go up is because of the bad economy. The other reason in my opinion is we make it so easy

Try to picture this. A mom with her kids or a senior comes out of the mall on the way to the car. The parking lot that isn't all that well lit. Maybe pushing a cart or carrying bags. Maybe on her cell phone. Maybe some distractions???

That makes a target for the bad guys who can get behind her and rip away her purse.

With Christmas just around the corner the big malls are gearing up. Are you? Here are some safety tips to help keep you and your family safe.

1. Shop - during the day and avoid night trips. 
2. Park - as close as you can to your destination then lock all doors. Choose well lit areas. And sad to say avoid strangers 
3. Focus - stay off your cell phone. Don't get distracted. A woman's inner voice or sixth sense may be her best friend. 
4. Lock - your car and once inside your car don't let your guard down-lock all your doors and be wary. 
5. Purse - keep it tucked under your arm. 
6. Keys - have them out and ready. They work as a weapon too. 
7. Buddy up - to your car. Go with others even if you have to ask for an escort. Don't let pride get in the way. Better safe than sorry. 
8. Carry - some self defense products like stun guns, pepper sprays and personal alarms. 
9. Common sense - usually prevails. Use your head. 
10. Trouble - if you get in trouble make as much noise as you can scream, use your alarm, use the panic button on your key fob-all to draw attention to your predicament.solar water heating .Without the recent information technology improvements in the car insurance world, where would customers and insurers be? Today, there seems to be a harmonious matrimonial relationship between the two