The Michigan State Police are reminding holiday shoppers on their

and

pages that "following a few safety precautions can help this season remain fun for all."

About 15 minutes ago, they tweeted, "We're going to tweet a new mall shopping safety tip every 30 minutes. There are seven tips."

You can follow along as they tweet the tips online or view the tips — which are listed in a note on their Facebook page — below.

"A primary factor in crime prevention is being aware of your surroundings and potential areas of danger," the note reads. "By staying alert and following a few safety tips, most holiday crimes can be avoided."

Here are the mall shopping safety tips from the Michigan State Police's Facebook page:

Avoid shopping alone. Use the buddy system whenever possible.

Park in well-lit, well-trafficked areas. Always lock your vehicle.

Have your keys in hand before exiting the shopping area and returning to your vehicle.

Do not keep packages in plain view in your vehicle; keep packages in the trunk of your car or covered by a blanket.

Carry your purse close to your body. If at all possible, do not bring a purse. Keep your wallet in a front or zipped pocket.

Do not carry large amounts of cash. Bring just one credit or debit card.

Do not count cash in open areas, especially after leaving an ATM machine.

to view the Michigan State Police's tips for staying safe while shopping online.

Do you have additional tips for staying safe while holiday shopping? Share your thoughts in the comments section below or email me at

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