‘Tis the season to be jolly, but Iberia Parish Sheriff Louis Ackal urges local residents to also take certain precautions to reduce the risk of being victimized by criminals who thrive on the holiday season shopping frenzy.

“Unfortunately, when shopping, people sometimes have a tendency to become distracted and lose sight of their personal safety,” Ackal said. “But don’t become so preoccupied with the thrill and shopping and holiday festivities that you lose your sense of good judgment when it comes to your personal safety.”

 Ackal has issued the following holiday safety tips:

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• Shop in numbers when possible. Also, let someone know where you’re going and when you plan on returning.

• If you bring your children shopping, agree on a meeting point in case of separation.

• Make a list of all credit card numbers and phone numbers to call in case they are lost or stolen.

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

• If carrying cash, keep it in a front pocket to avoid pickpocketing.

• Always carry a cell phone for easy access to emergency services.

• When approaching your car in a parking lot, check around it and in the back seat.

Ackal said the Sheriff’s Office will be doing it’s part for sure.

“I’ve got some extra people looking for those individuals that prey on people in stores,” he said. “It all goes back to my philosophy of law enforcement by saturation.”