When Rachael and Chad Lewis go shopping they don't worry about anyone breaking into their car or stealing items out of their shopping cart, but they're careful while shopping and when in the parking lots. But theft can happen and especially during the holidays.

If you thought crime waves occur only when temperatures are high, don't believe it. As the holiday gift-buying season goes into its final week, an estimated $1.2 billion in stolen merchandise and credit card fraud will leave consumers struggling to replace gifts and the holiday spirit, according to MarketWatch.com.

Steve Anders doesn't want anyone to go through the anguish and frustration of theft during the holiday season. "Anyone can be a victim of theft," said Anders, the Security and Guest Services manager at Rushmore Mall.

On Tuesday, the Lewises stored and locked their multiple shopping bags into the trunk of their car when they exited Rushmore Mall's south entrance. The New York natives are conscious about keeping their personal items secure.

"I'm always aware of what's going on around me. I lock the car," said Rachael Lewis, who works in security as part of her military service at Ellsworth Air Force Base.

While they have never suffered theft while living in Rapid City, they're careful. "It's my job," she said.

The Biehls feel safe in Rapid City.

Originally from Corpus Christie, Texas, Alice Biel recalls holding pepper spray in her hand when walking to her car in a mall parking lot there. "I don't even know where it is now," she said.

Yet, she and her husband, Mark, split up duties so that Alice could arrange several gift bags into the cargo area of their car while Mark buckled their 2-1/2-year-old daughter into her car seat.

"If I've got packages, I put them in the back and throw a coat or blanket over them. When I'm walking through stores and parking lots, I try to look around to see what's around me," Alice Biel said.

"We always lock the doors," she added.

Formerly of the Sturgis Police Department, Anders has worked in security for eight years. In that time, he has found that no one is immune to crime. To keep people safe, he wants to offer shoppers some tips.

"They can be used all the time, they're not just for Christmas," he said.

1. Lock your car

2. Store gifts and packages into the car's trunk or locked compartment

3. Keep a firm grasp on packages

4. Keep your head up and aware of your surroundings

5. If you need help, the Rushmore Mall offers guest security escort services

6. Have keys out and ready to use

7. Avoid storing gifts in sight such as backseat of car

8. At night, walk out of mall with other shoppers so you're not alone in parking lot

9. Park in well-lighted areas

10. Shop with a buddy

Contact Jomay Steen at 394-8418 or jomay.steen@rapidcityjournal.com.