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Photo via Flickr by Peter Hilton

My friend went to the mall a few days ago and was very excited to have finished her holiday shopping early this year. She had a nice evening planned with her boyfriend, who was waiting for her at home with dinner and a movie.

My friend arrived at her street, scored a parking spot just outside her door and was unloading her car, as two women attacked her, grabbed all her shopping bags and her purse and ran off.

My friend was glued to the ground. She couldn’t move, scream, or think clear. When she realized what really happened, she ran inside her house, crying, and she immediately called the police to report the incident. She also called all her credit card companies to report the theft and to put a hold on all transactions on her cards.

Thefts happen every day. Especially during the holidays. One of the things that the Police Department suggest is “Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. This creates a temptation for thieves. If you must leave something in the car, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight.”

But how do people avoid being mugged when they have to unload their car? Or when they are going to the car to load it with all the newly bought presents.

Photo via Flickr by Toast to Life

People are easy targets when they are carrying all those GAP, Target, J.C. Penny and other department store bags around. They are a walking advertisement not only for the store but also for the opportunity seekers.

A good way to be less noticeable is to bring your own canvas bags and fill those instead of the bags that the stores offer. Refuse the store bags! Not only will you be less of a target to the opportunist but your family will think you just went grocery shopping and you can keep the presents even more of a secret.

And while you are protecting yourself from thieves, you are also protecting the environment from all those harmful plastic bags

Photo via Flickr by Zainub