Shoppers this holiday season are on the lookout for the best bargains around town. But it’s not just bargain-hunters that are looking forward to the hustle-and-bustle of Christmas shopping. Other groups are on the prowl as well—burglars, pickpockets, and all manner of opportunistic predators.

Sadly, these criminals are around every corner of the shopping malls, parking lots, and apartment complexes, just waiting for the chance to catch you slipping.

Most of us have already heeded the many warnings from our families, friends and local law enforcement about protecting ourselves and our property during the holiday shopping season. However, we seem to think that it just cannot happen to us.

After the onslaught of Black Friday (from which I thankfully chose to abstain), a acquaintance of mine had her purse stolen from her vehicle while parked in an apartment complex.

While a semi-intelligent crook might take the undeserved fruits of his exploits and either sell or give them away, in the age of social media, that same crook’s exuberance for victimization has now spilled over to the very public medium of Facebook—next time, he might want to make that post “private” instead of “public.”

The investigation into the stolen purse is still ongoing, however, the boldness of thieves seems to show its ugly face in the blatant bragging about such occurrences in a venue where even the least competent of society usually understands that most of what you can read on a Facebook wall, can and will be accessed by those other than members of your friends list.

Even scarier, the person in question who made the Facebook post about the ease of access to other people’s belongings was not a destitute individual—his photos show him at work in what appears to be a familiar setting.

In fact, the unforgiving Facebook post states that “it’s even funnier to watch people (who have been pick-pocketed) reach the front of the line, only to discover that all their money is gone.”

Such a bold remark might imply that the individual isn’t even stealing out of necessity, but for the thrill of the hunt. Obviously, this speaks to the fact that there exist inherently cruel, inconsiderate predators out there that will show no regard for the single mother who has pinched each paycheck for the last six months in order to buy her kids exactly what they asked for this Christmas.

Thieves do not care if they take your very last pennies from your pocket that you have worked so diligently to obtain.

They will not give a second thought to the elderly person who is on a fixed income—they will target those with limited faculties for which to protect themselves first.

Don’t be a victim.

In light of all of my previous statements, there are a few ways you can protect yourself this holiday season while keeping yourself and your belongings safely intact.

The LAPD Crime Prevention Section has listed a few brief points of advice to protect yourself, your belongings and your loved ones so that you can enjoy another year free of devastation, loss of funds or property.

Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.

Dress casually and comfortably.

Avoid wearing expensive jewelry. Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible.

Always carry your driver’s license or identification along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use.

Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.

Keep cash in your front pocket. Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.

Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.

Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, transportation terminals, bus stops, on buses and other rapid transit.

Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.

Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, con-artists may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.

The moral of the story is to protect yourself and your loved ones while holiday shopping this season. Be extremely aware of your surroundings. Do not shop alone, if possible. Do not make yourself an easy target to opportunistic scumbags.

If you see someone displaying suspicious behavior in a shopping center, store parking lot, apartment complex or neighborhood, report it. You might not only be saving someone else’s possessions, but your own as well.

With that in mind, let’s all try to love and respect one another a little more this holiday season.