Any time you visit a crowded shopping center, you and your belongings can become vulnerable if you aren’t paying attention. Thieves thrive in crowds. More people means more wallets, purses, and expensive items accessible from unsuspecting shoppers.

Be careful to protect yourself, your children and your belongings in any public place. Most importantly, if you’re with your kids, teach them to go to a store clerk if you get separated. With a lot of moving bodies around, would-be kidnappers could easily make a quick, easy and anonymous getaway. Here are more shopping safety tips from the Jacksonville, Florida Sheriff’s Office:

• Shop during daylight hours. If you must shop at night, go with a companion.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry that could attract thieves.
• Men should carry a wallet in a front pocket. Women should be sure to hold a purse close to the body and on the inside if walking in a pair.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Use checks or credit cards.
• Don’t overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have a clear sightline.
• Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. Any time of the year, con artists may try various methods to distract you.
• Park in a well-lighted space, and be sure to lock the car, close the windows, and take the keys with you when you leave.

Also, many retailers offer online shoppers surprising sales which could save you time and money. But as with anything you do online, be careful where you enter personal information, like addresses and credit card numbers. For more tips on online shopping, check out the National Consumers League’s PDF on Internet purchasing safety.

With the hot summer months rolling in, you might be one of the millions of Americans who spends some of their leisure time on a boat. But if you are going to be boating, make sure to remember your life jacket, and always boat responsibly.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, over 700 deaths occur on the water from boating accidents each year, but there are a few simple things that you can do to stay safe on the water. The the U.S. Coast Guard reminds us:

• Wear a life jacket. Capsizing and falls from the boat are the most frequently reported causes of boating fatalities. Wearing a vest could save your life.
• Never boat under the influence. Alcohol was a major factor in many boating fatalities. Drinking impairs judgment, coordination and reaction time, and accounts for over one third of fatal boating accidents.
• Get a free Vessel Safety Check (VSC). The Coast Guard offers inspection of your boat and can let you know about anything that could put you in violation of the law, or create dangerous situations for you or your passengers.

Check out the U.S. Coast Guard’s boating safety site for more information about how to enjoy yourself responsibly on a boat this summer.