Christmas means different things to different people - but for most, good food, presents and drink feature somewhere.

With so many people out and about there are many opportunities for crime.

So this week Andover police have provided some suggestions to reduce your vulnerability to crime while you are out shopping.

Parking the car: If possible use a secured car park, or one that is well lit and covered by CCTV. Park in such a position that your vehicle can be seen.

Do not leave anything of value in the car and do not leave anything on show.

When you leave the car close all windows, lock all the doors and set the alarm if fitted.

Shopping: Do not leave handbags unattended - keep them with you at all times; don't leave them in supermarket trolleys.

When carrying a handbag, do not leave it open with your purse or credit cards in the zip compartment. If the bag has a flap, make sure the flap is towards your body. Do not carry large sums of cash.

Do not use backpack-style bags as they are very vulnerable to attack; consider using a normal handbag or a purse belt.

Do not leave anything you buy unattended.

Now, with both hands full and still more shopping to do, what do you do with your shopping? A criminal could watch people return to their cars and deposit their shopping before targeting the vehicle.

To avoid this consider:

l Returning home to drop the shopping off there.

l Leaving an adult with the vehicle.

l If there is no real alternative, then place items in the boot and move to another car park.

If you are still puzzling over the odd present for Christmas, don't forget there are many home and personal security products available at prices to suit every pocket.

Consider personal alarms or vehicle security products. For the home there are alarm systems, timing devices, door and window locks.