Ho Ho Ho No!

The Queens Gazette sure knows how to put a damper on all this holiday cheer:

It’s that time of year when lights twinkle and bells jingle, and we head out to shop for holiday gifts. But remember, behind every “Ho! Ho! Ho!” there’s a thief, a rip-off artist, or a small time thug waiting to fill his stocking by emptying your pockets.

Among the many useful tips is this, which seems easier said than done:

To help foil would-be purse-snatchers, carry your bag upside-down, with your hand on the latch or zipper. If a thief tries to snatch it, open the bag and let the contents fall to the floor. Most criminals are completely confused by this, police said. They don’t generally stick around to watch a crowd gather around you.

So if you see a sudden upturn in spilled personal effects this season, you’ll know where it came from.