Hey, this is also one of the busy times of the year for those who prey upon our generosity, our trust in our fellow man and our weariness after hours in stores.

Just as you do your Christmas shopping, so thieves do their Christmas stealing. They routinely patrol mall parking lots looking for unattended vehicles filled with holiday gifts out in plain view. It doesn't take very long to smash a window, grab the gifts and jump into a waiting car.

"The shopping season is a hectic time, and it's easy to become distracted while focused on your gift list or parcels," said Terri Miller, director of HEAT.

"Thieves look forward to this time of year so they can capitalize on the common mistakes shoppers make, such as leaving vehicles unlocked and running or stowing gifts and shopping bags in open view instead of in the trunk."

Park in well-lit areas, near sidewalks or walkways. Avoid parking near Dumpsters or large vans or trucks. These obstacles decrease your ability to see the space around your vehicle clearly, where thieves or carjackers could be hiding.

Consider using the valet service if you are out at a shopping center alone at night. It may cost money (usually about $5), but your safety is worth more. Leave the valet only the ignition key with no ID. Keep your registration and proof of insurance in your wallet.

If you're going back into the store or mall for more shopping, move your car to another area of the lot so thieves don't see you leaving a car full of valuable merchandise.

Try to keep one hand free with the other hand holding your car keys as you approach or leave your vehicle so you can maneuver if you encounter a thief or carjacker.

If you witness an auto theft or carjacking, call the police immediately. If you have any information regarding an auto theft, insurance fraud or carjacking, call the HEAT tip line at (800) 242-4328. Your report will be confidential, and it might get you a nice reward.

Callers are awarded up to $1,000 if their tip leads to the arrest and prosecution of a suspected car thief or a person suspected of auto theft-related insurance fraud. Rewards of up to $10,000 are issued if a tip results in the arrest and binding over for trial of suspected theft ring or chop shop operators.

HEAT -- which works with the state police and is funded by Michigan's auto insurance companies -- also offers up to $2,000 for information leading to the issuance of a warrant for a carjacking suspect.

If you think it can't happen to you, think again. I know, because a few years ago I returned to a mall parking lot to find the front passenger side window of my car smashed in. I had purchased a new pair of shoes, and the shoebox was sitting on the floor of the car.

The only plus side to the entire ordeal is that I was wearing the new shoes and the box held an old worn-out pair of loafers. I'm sure that ticked off the thief, but it was scant comfort at best.

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