Police

Jostling through crowded malls while carrying your jacket, juggling countless bags and keeping your child from breaking anything you can't afford to buy makes you an attractive target to criminals looking to grab wallets, purses and your purchases. Some tips to stop would-be thieves:

A man should carry his wallet in the front pocket of his pants, rather than in a back pocket or in his jacket.

A woman should hold her purse close to her body, with the opening facing toward her; when walking with another person, the purse should be held between the two.

When you can, avoid using revolving doors -- particularly the automatic kind. A thief with good timing can grab a purse or package and make a quick getaway in the time it takes you to emerge.

Consolidate purchases into one or two large shopping bags so you can keep track of everything.

Never leave your purchases unattended, even for a few minutes.