Here's some Winter Holiday Safety Tips from Jacqueline Marrero of the York City Police Department's Community Services Division.  This holiday season don't let the spirit of giving lull you into giving burglars, muggers and pickpockets a better chance to do their dirty work. Crooks love the holidays as much as everyone else, especially because it's an opportune time for crime.  Take a look at the tips below, and have a great holiday season everyone.

If You Are Traveling

• Get an automatic timer for your lights.
• Ask a neighbor to watch your home, shovel snow, and park in the driveway from time to time.
• Don't forget to have mail and newspaper delivery stopped.

• Turn on lights and a radio or TV so it looks like someone's home.
• Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave, even if it's just for a few minutes.
• Don't display gifts where they can be seen from outside.

If You Are Shopping

• Stay alert and be aware of what's going on around you.
• Park in a well-lighted space, and be sure to lock the car, close the windows, and hide shopping bags and gifts in the trunk.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; pay with a check or credit card whenever possible.
• Don't overburden yourself with packages. Carry a purse close to your body.  Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.
• Shopping with kids? Teach them to go to a store clerk or security guard if you get separated.

Protect Your Vehicle

• Remember the old cliché "Out of sight, out of mind?" The same idea applies to items in your car. Always lock your vehicle and store all items out of sight.
• Help prevent your vehicle from being stolen by always locking your car and using anti-theft devices. And although it's cold, never leave your vehicle running while you run inside your home or a store—even if for only a minute or two.

If a Stranger Comes to the Door

• Criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts, so be cautious when accepting a package.
• I's not uncommon for people to try to take advantage of others' generosity during the holidays by going door-to-door for charitable donations when there's no charity involved. Ask for identification and find out how the funds will be used.

After You've Opened the Gifts

Avoid becoming an easy target for post-holiday burglars by not leaving boxes for new electronics and other items in the alley or other garbage pick-up locations instead, break down any boxes you are throwing out, put them in garbage bags and place them inside a trash can.  

Celebrate Responsibly

The holiday season is a time of celebration and revelry. Drinking and driving is a danger to everyone on the road.  Have fun but remember to celebrate responsibly.

Holiday Package Theft

• Track deliveries online and confirm delivery has occurred.
• If you know a family member or neighbor will be home, ask them to pick up the packages as soon as they are delivered.
• Switch delivery location to work where it can be received by someone and not left on the porch.

Enjoy the Season!

Finally, don't let holiday stress get the best of your holiday spirit. Make time to get together with family, friends, and neighbors. And think about reaching out in the spirit of the season and helping someone who's less fortunate or lonely.