MSU Police holiday tips

• Use only fire resistant ornaments on a holiday tree and make sure electric lights are in good working order. Don't leave the lights on overnight or when away from home.
• Immediately after the holidays mark new gifts with identification numbers and record serial numbers.
• Be wary of strangers soliciting for charitable donations.
• Don't display gifts where they can be seen from a window or doorway; store gifts if leaving for a holiday trip.
• If going out for the evening, turn on lights and radio or television so the house or apartment looks occupied.
• Avoid leaving boxes from purchases (especially TVs, VCRs and computers) outside on the curb for garbage pickup.
• Shop before dark, coordinate shopping with friends and always park in a well-lit parking lot.
• Keep packages locked out-of-sight in the trunk.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Use credit cards or checks whenever possible.
• Be extra careful with purses and wallets. Carry your purse under your arm. Keep the wallet inside your jacket pocket.