I just left Starbucks on Chestnut and they were playing Christmas songs (I’m writing this on Nov. 15 – wow, this year has blown by!) Retailers are counting down the shopping days. And with all of us out there shopping, opportunists will be out as well, waiting to prey on someone unsuspecting. So with the help of my friends at S.F. SAFE (Safety Awareness for Everyone), I will provide some personal safety tips to help you remain safe during the hectic holiday season.

Personal safety: When shopping after dark, do so with a friend. Park in well-lighted and well-traveled areas. Be alert and walk with confidence. Have your keys in hand when walking to your car or home. Be aware of your surroundings and anyone approaching you or your car. If anyone demands your purse or wallet, surrender it immediately as it is not worth your life to fight for it. Carry identification separate from cash and credit cards. If anything is stolen, report it to the police, and cancel any credit cards immediately.

Home burglary prevention: Always know who you are buzzing into your building. Don’t open the door to unexpected guests, but somehow let that person know you are there. Close and lock doors and windows. Get to know your neighbors and watch out for each other’s property. If leaving on a trip, consider light timers and have mail and newspaper delivery stopped or gathered by someone you trust. Take an inventory of your valuables and record all serial numbers, taking photos when possible. Only tell those you trust that you will be out of town.

Identity theft prevention: Do not carry your social security card or passport. Limit the number of credit cards and identification to what is essential while shopping. Big purses are attractive to opportunists, so try to reduce what you carry.

Prevent pickpocketing: Crowded Muni vehicles are a favorite location for opportunists. Men should keep wallets in hard-to-reach spots. Women should keep wallets deep inside their purse or in a separate pocket in their clothing. If someone bumps you hard they may have just picked your pocket, so check that your valuables are still on you. Strong, confident body language and eye contact with others is likely to discourage pickpocketing.

Preventing auto break-ins: Remove valuables from your car. Keep shopping packages out of view and in your locked trunk. Each time you pack more items in your trunk, you should move your car. Consider parking in an attended lot. Never leave your GPS or GPS mount visible.

If you’ve skipped right through this column to the end, the most important thing you can take away is to be aware of your surroundings and conceal your valuables (I tweet this all the time). YOU can prevent your victimization!

How ever you celebrate it, I wish you a wonderful holiday season. And if given the opportunity, I encourage you to volunteer this season whether it is serving at St. Anthony’s, helping shelter animals at Pets Unlimited, tutoring kids at the Buchannan YMCA, or working with some other worthwhile service provider.