<figure>
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 <figcaption>Images courtesy Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Small actions can help keep holiday shopping safe" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/bji63-f48d3e?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth=&btn-skin=101"></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostAs Christmas approaches, so does the danger from those seeking to take advantage of the opportunity to steal from frazzled holiday shoppers, but keeping a few safety tips in mind can significantly reduce the risk."A lot of it is what we call common sense," said Hays Police Department Lt. Tim Greenwood of measures that can keep shoppers safe.The first step in safe holiday shopping is planning, he said."A lot of it simply comes back to having a plan," Greenwood said. "Decide where you want to go and what you want to do and when you have that plan in place when you run into little hiccups and challenges you are able to stay calm and things tend to go a lot smoother."One of the most common ways to stay safe is an often repeated message — lock your car doors."Make sure before you leave the car that there are no valuables sitting out, especially on the seat or visible through the windows," he said.Also, a large coat or blanket can be used to cover purchased items inside the vehicle.He also said, when possible, it is a good idea to drop off items at home while going from store to store."Don't tempt those that are looking for an easy way to break a window or open a door and grab a bunch of stuff that they don't have to pay for," Greenwood said. "By covering that up and making sure your car is locked, that's a great step in the right direction."While inside, Greenwood said shoppers should also be wary and keep personal items close."It's too easy to step away from that cart for just one second and when you turn back around that wallet or purse is missing," he said.&nbsp;Limiting the amount of cash carried can also lessen a shopper's risk."We don't want to be flashing that cash and tempting those that have less ethics than we have," Greenwood said. "Make sure you are being discreet with that money."With COVID concerns this year, many are opting to purchase gifts online, but those that do risk another scourge of shopping theifdom — porch pirates.Greenwood said an easy way to make sure packages make it inside safely is to sign up for notifications that send an alert when a package has arrived."It's a great service they provide because we can go check that front porch and get those packages taken off the porch sooner than later," he said.A slightly more high-tech solution is the installation of internet-based doorbell cameras that allow the resident to see and record activity around their door, he said.Once inside the home, just like with vehicles, keeping valuables from being highly visible can be a deterrent."Don't provide temptation if you don't need to," Greenwood said.And even when a resident is inside the home, he said keeping doors and windows locked is a good idea.After gifts have been opened, keeping the packaging from being seen can also mitigate the risk of being the target of a thief."Before you just carry out a bunch of boxes, break those things down and get them into your recycling bag," Greenwood said.&nbsp;He said labels and item descriptions should be folded inside."All they see is that brown interior on the outside; just a bunch of brown cardboard versus seeing those items that you now have inside your house," Greenwood said. While out checking items off the Christmas list, he said he hopes everyone can stay safe — and remember to bring a face covering."Take some time, have a plan, and stay calm and you will enjoy your season a lot better," Greenwood said.

🎙HPD: Small actions can help keep holiday shopping safe