An unfortunate reality about the holiday season is that it often brings an increase in property crimes. In anticipation of this, and in order to help you stay safe, here are our top 12 crime safety tips, as recommended by police:

1. NEVER leave your car unlocked; make sure windows are up and all doors are locked.

2. Never keep valuable items in your car. Cash, credit cards, checkbooks, navigation units, compact disc players, purses and other items are best removed and secured in your house or trunk of your car when not in use. The inconvenience of doing this is much less than having them stolen.

3. If at all possible, keep your car parked in a well-lit area.

4. Be sure to record serial numbers of your valuables in case they are stolen. This will assist police in the recovery of your items.

5. If you find that your car has been entered, and items are missing, call the police department immediately. Do not wait.

6. When shopping, it is best to do so with friends; there is safety in numbers.

7. If you are shopping alone and feel uneasy about going to your car, ask an employee of the store whether security could escort you.

8. Always be aware of your surroundings.

9. Try not to have your arms full of packages. Have your car keys in your hand, ready to get into your car.

10. Be sure to place items you purchase in your trunk, instead of in the passenger compartment, where they can be seen.

11. Never leave your personal property in a shopping cart unattended.

12. If you observe suspicious people around your car or in the store parking lot, call the police.

As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Follow these measures to help ensure a more enjoyable, and safe, holiday season.