It's the busiest shopping season of the year as there are just a handful of days before Christmas. But how can we make sure we're shopping as safely as we can?

"Try to stay aware of everything that's going on around you," said Captain John Marshall with Niles Police Department. 

Captain Marshall says the top shopping related crimes people fall victim to are purse grabbing and pickpocketing.

"When somebody is preparing to victimize you, they're watching you," Marshall said. "Something you're doing. Maybe that behavior of turning away and disregarding your purse could be something that would make them see the window."

The National Crime Prevention Council states while out in public, keep your purse close to you or even inside your coat. Also, don't leave shopping bags in your car.

"Anything that you leave in your car that can be seen, represents putting a target on your car and on your property," Marshall added.

Also, don't take out your wallet or card until you're in the process of paying.

"Flashing any cash, additional credit cards or anything else of value they have in that purse or wallet is dangerous," Marshall said. 

If you're an online shopper, is your security software is up to date?

Also, watch out for "too good to be true" bargains and consider alternate options to pay for your merchandise.

"Be conscious of where you're spending and the website that you're using," Marshall said. "Stick with retailers you're familiar with or that you've used in the past."

With the rising issue of porch pirates, Marshall said to try to be home when your packages arrive.

"More often than not, when you do buy something online, you get a notification of when it's being shipped so you'll have an idea of when it's coming," Marshall said. "If that's not a possibility, there's all sorts of doorbell cameras and porch cameras now."

Also be cautious not to post your gifts you've received on social media. That could lead to theft by potential friends and family who know when you're out of the house.