Editorial: Holiday crime

But, there's another element eager to do business with the flood of holiday gift buyers and this element has larceny on its mind.

"The holiday shopping season is upon us and with the increased hustle and bustle of the season comes the increased risk that many of us will be targeted by thieves, robbers, and burglars," is the warning from the Collier County Sheriff's Office.

The sheriff's Crime Prevention Bureau offers shoppers the following tips this holiday season:

-- Guard your purse and wallet at all times. Never leave them unattended.

-- Do not carry large amounts of cash. Keep the cash you do have hidden from view whenever possible.

-- Keep your credit cards in sight. Allowing people to take your card to another location enables it to be "skimmed" for account information.

-- Take packages to the car often. Trying to carry too many packages blocks your view, keeps you off balance and limits your ability to react.

-- Do not approach your car if there are other people in the immediate area.

-- Have your key out and ready. This will limit the time you are most vulnerable: when you are entering the car or putting packages in the car.

-- Keep valuables and merchandise you have purchased in the trunk, out of view of those passing by the car.

A few precautions can keep your holidays merry.