The Michigan State Police (MSP) is reminding holiday shoppers that following a few safety precautions can help this season remain fun for all.

“A primary factor in crime prevention is being aware of your surroundings and potential areas of danger,” stated Trooper Roger Hunt, Lakeview Post. “By remaining vigilant and following a few safety tips, you can minimize your chance of becoming a victim and enjoy your holiday season.”

Mall shopping safety tips:

*Avoid shopping alone.  Use the buddy system whenever possible.

*Park in well-lit, well-trafficked areas.  Always lock your vehicle.

*Have your keys in hand before exiting the shopping area and returning to your vehicle.

*Carry your purse close to your body. If at all possible, do not bring a purse. Keep your wallet in a front or zipped pocket.

*Do not carry large amounts of cash. Bring just one credit or debit card.

*Do not count cash in open areas, especially after leaving an ATM.

Online shopping safety tips:

*Shop only on Internet sites of companies you know and trust.

*Only use secure websites. To determine if a website is secure, look for a key or closed padlock at the bottom browser window and a URL that begins with “https,” not just “http.”

*Protect your personal information. Read the retailer’s privacy policy and never provide your Social Security number, birth date or mother’s maiden name.

Holiday Shopping Safety tips:

*Ensure your computer has the latest anti-virus software installed before shopping online.

*Beware of emails offering cut-rate prices on popular items; if the offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Auto Safety tips:

The Automobile Theft Prevention Authority (ATPA) recommends the following safety tips to avoid a car break-in or theft:

*Keep your vehicle doors locked at all times. The majority of vehicle thefts involve an unlocked door.

*Do not keep valuables in your car. If you can’t avoid it, try to keep them out of sight by placing them either under a seat or in the trunk.

*Use your car alarm if equipped. Try to make it as difficult as possible for a thief to steal your valuables or your vehicle.

*Newer cars have a “panic” mode feature on the key fob. Don’t hesitate to use this feature if you see something suspicious around your vehicle when approaching.

*If you see something suspicious, do not confront the person but rather call the police and report what you witnessed.

From the Michigan State Police

The Michigan State Police (MSP) Lakeview Post reminds holiday shoppers that following a few safety precautions can help this season remain fun for all.

“A primary factor in crime prevention is being aware of your surroundings and potential areas of danger,” stated Trooper Keith Disselkoen of the Lakeview Post. “By staying alert and following a few safety tips, most holiday crimes can be avoided.”

Mall shopping safety tips:

Avoid shopping alone. Use the buddy system whenever possible.

Park in well-lit, well-trafficked areas.  Always lock your vehicle and put away any valuables.

Have your keys in hand before exiting the shopping area and returning to your vehicle.

Do not keep packages in plain view in your vehicle; keep packages in the trunk of your car or covered by a blanket.

Be alert, pay attention to your surroundings and move with a purpose; don’t dally.

Carry your purse close to your body. If at all possible, do not bring a purse. Keep your wallet in a front or zipped pocket.

Do not carry large amounts of cash. Bring just one credit or debit card.

Do not count cash in open areas, especially after leaving an ATM machine.

Remain vigilant of your environment by paying close attention to where you are and knowing what you would do if something happened.

Remember where you are located within buildings and where the nearest emergency exit is.

If you see something suspicious, immediately notify law enforcement.

Online shopping safety tips:

Shop only on Internet sites of companies you know and trust.

Only use secure Web sites. To determine if a web site is secure, look for a key or closed padlock at the bottom browser window and a URL that begins with “https,” not just “http.”

Protect your personal information. Read the retailer’s Web site privacy policy and never provide your Social Security number, birth date or mother’s maiden name.

Ensure your computer has the latest anti-virus software installed before shopping online.

Beware of E-mails offering cut-rate prices on popular items; if the offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

By Mona Shand, Michigan News Connection

Halloween is one of the most fun-filled nights for kids of all ages, but unless pet owners take precautions, the holiday could pose serious risks for four-legged friends. When trick-or-treaters bring home the Halloween loot, most people know to keep the chocolate away from pets, but, according to veterinarian Dr. Jamie Snow, keep the whole candy bowl out of reach of Rover and Fluffy, because the artificial sweetener xylitol found in most sugar-free gums and many other candies can be fatal to animals.

“I won’t let it in my house,” she declared. “If a dog eats that and ingests it in a good enough amount, it can cause severe liver failure and very profoundly low blood sugar and kill them.”

Snow said Halloween safety begins with securing pets inside the house or in a place where they won’t get overexcited by an onslaught of children, and to be sure all animals have proper identification. It’s all too easy for pets to escape amid all the Halloween commotion, but Snow says a few simple precautions will greatly increase the chance an animal will be reunited with its owner if that happens.

“Almost on a weekly basis, we have somebody that finds a dog or a cat with no collar, no microchip, and it’s very hard to find their homes if they have no identification,” she warned.

As for dressing pets up in Halloween costumes, Snow said to treat animals the same as toddlers: beware of choking or breathing hazards, and don’t leave them unsupervised while they’re suited up.