Although the holiday season is generally a time of goodwill and cheer, there are some among us who may try to dampen that spirit by committing thefts.

Here are a few suggestions to keep the Grinches from ruining your holidays.

• Thieves like to prey on people shopping in malls during busy times when shoppers may be more easily distracted. Never leave your purse, wallet or phone unattended in a shopping cart. Carry wallets and phones in your front pocket or a purse. After you’ve made your purchases, put them in your trunk or other location where they can’t easily be seen.
• If you shop online and are having packages delivered, if possible have those packages delivered to a work address or a home where someone is always available to bring the packages inside right away.
• If you’re headed out of town during the holidays be sure to use timers on lights, arrange for your mail and newspapers not to be delivered, and ask a neighbor to shovel your driveway or sidewalk (or at least drive their car up and down your driveway so it appears you are home).

And finally, if you see any suspicious activity, do not hesitate to call 911.