Have a safe Christmas

Holiday shopping can be fun but it can also be stressful. The heavy traffic, the long lines of people buying gifts, and the crowded malls can be a constant source of irritation, frustration, and wrinkles!

Compounding the problem is the presence of predators. No, I’m not talking about the ...Holiday shopping can be fun but it can also be stressful. The heavy traffic, the long lines of people buying gifts, and the crowded malls can be a constant source of irritation, frustration, and wrinkles!

Compounding the problem is the presence of predators. No, I’m not talking about the alien monster that action hero Arnold Schwarzenegger faced in one of his movies. I’m referring to pickpockets, hoodlums, robbers, and other nasty people who prey on shoppers and strike when you least expect it.

To make your Christmas merry, bright, and wrinkle free, here are some safety reminders courtesy of Dermaxin, a popular wrinkle fighter that delivers dramatic and visible results without the side effects of cosmetic injections. For details, visit http://tinyurl.com/8jkw6ma

Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables. These may boost your ego but they also multiply your chances of being robbed.

Avoid walking alone, especially at night unless absolutely necessary.

Stay near people but steer away from drunks and groups of suspicious-looking people who could be threats to dignity, life, and personal property. If you pass by them, ignore snide remarks.

Stay in well-lighted areas and routes with uninterrupted pedestrian and vehicular traffic. The risk of being caught by a mob and or being identified in lighted places deters most would-be robbers.

Avoid dark alleys, bushy pathways, shortcuts through parks with lush shrubbery, vacant lots, and other deserted places.

Don't wander alone from the crowd at picnics or outings. Stay within calling distance.

Make a mental accounting of the contents of your bag and wallet to identify them if you are robbed and the police recover your personal effects.

Try to have presence of mind and remember the description of the thief when victimized. This way, you can help the police catch him and recover your valuables.

Avoid putting your handbag on counters when shopping. Doing so will invite thieves.

Keep your bag close to your body while inside cinemas, churches, shopping centers, and markets as well as when walking in crowded areas. This will discourage snatchers, pickpockets and bag-slashers.

Be armed with a whistle to get help during emergencies.

Stay alert while riding in public vehicles. Watch out for snatchers when seated near the windows of a vehicle.

Take down the name, plate and body number of the taxi right after boarding it.

Don't allow the taxi driver to decide which route to take.

Don't accept rides from strangers.