The holiday season is in full swing, and with it comes the joy of togetherness, warmth and charity. Unfortunately thieves and other criminals also see the holiday season as prime time for thefts and break-ins as well. A report by the Washington Post claims that retail crime increases around 30 percent during the holidays.

Don’t let your guard down this Christmas and keep your home secure and safe with these tips.

• When parking your vehicle to go shopping, always looks for a well-lit and well-traveled parking area as opposed to dark, remote lots.
• Have your keys in hand when approaching your vehicle, so you will have little to no delay in unlocking and entering the door. Thieves and attackers can prey upon you when you are vulnerable fumbling for your keys.
• Never leave your keys, wallet, cell phone or purse in plain view when shopping. Never leave them in your car, either.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash while shopping.
• At home, make sure your gifts and Christmas tree isn’t visible from your window. They could make for a tempting target for thieves passing by to smash and grab.
• Burglars look for certain cues that homes are empty; outdoor lights on 24 hours a day, indoor lights never on, piled up mail and newspapers, etc. Ask a trusted neighbor to collect your mail while you are gone, and then find a security company to learn how a security and home automation system can help simulate your presence in your house even when you’re away.
• Burglars often look for unlocked doors and windows. Unsecure windows, such as those propped open to run an extension cord for outdoor Christmas lights. Always plug your outdoor lights into exterior outlets.
• Don’t post your travel plans online. Broadcasting the location or duration of your trip on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter can be dangerous. It may be something exciting you really want to share, but be aware that you are blatantly telling criminals, “I’m not home.”
• Consider adding video monitoring to your security system (ALARM + CCTV, network alarm monitoring system). Today’s electronic security systems allow you to monitor video remotely, meaning you can monitor the goings-on at your house while traveling from your smartphone or other mobile device.
• After Christmas Day, quickly dispose of the boxes your gifts came in – especially large expensive gifts. Advertising the presence of expensive merchandise inside your home is practically an open invitation for burglars.