The Tribune editorial staff

With winter "officially" just around the corner, the Christmas season is officially here with all of the brilliant lights and colorful displays.

Across the area, the signs of the holidays are everywhere. The retailers' parking lots are packed, the holiday lights are being rolled out in full force and the cooler weather just seems to put people in the Christmas spirit.

Along with all of the holiday hoopla also comes a need for care and concern. The holidays often bring out an unsavory problem - crime.

Too often, the criminal element seeks to have a merry Christmas at the expense of innocent residents.

Typically, statistics show the number of thefts increases around the holidays.

And often, experts say, many of those can be prevented with a little caution and alertness.

4Even if you are in a rush shopping and carrying about holiday work, stay alert when entering and exiting your automobile. With a bundle of packages in tow, a person can quickly become an easy target for a would-be robber.

4Avoid carrying large amounts of cash with you. To further make your money a more difficult target to grab, carry wallets in your front pocket and keep purses securely around your shoulder.

4If you must shop at night, make sure you park in a well-lighted spot and keep watch of your surroundings constantly. If you see a suspicious person standing nearby, walk back inside the store.

4Do not leave packages visible inside your automobile.

4If you are leaving home for an extended time, ask a neighbor or friend to pick up the newspapers and mail. Also, consider leaving a radio or television on along with lights to help your house look occupied.

By using a few common sense approaches, you can avoid having you and your family become victims of holiday crimes.