By HEATHER BAUGHMAN

baughman@crescent-news.com

Holiday shopping can be both exciting and disappointing, depending on the shopper's experience. To make the most out of holiday buying, there are certain safety tips to keep in mind, whether shopping at stores or at home using the computer.

Dr. Gregg Gunsch, associate professor of computer forensics at Defiance College, said Internet shopping can be just as safe as shopping in stores, as long as it is done responsibly.

Gunsch tells people not to be afraid of online shopping. For those still on the fence, he asks, "Do you use your credit card at the pump? Do you go to a restaurant and hand your credit card over to the waiter" to pay for dinner?

Ultimately, Gunsch said, all credit card transactions "go to the same database with the same protection."

"In my mind," he said, "they (credit card transactions) are all the same," whether he is purchasing something in person or online. "But if you are apprehensive, have a credit card specifically for Internet purchases ... and nothing else," adding that it is wise to monitor billing statements for potential fraudulent purchases.

Gunsch also said it is important, when shopping online, to look for the "lock" icon and "https" on the browser, which both denote a secure website. "You are only as secure as your own computer and the computer at the other end," Gunsch said, noting it is consumers' responsibility to make sure they are purchasing items safely online.

Along with the symbols to watch for, Gunsch recommends that people shop at sites they trust and never click on a link to another website from an e-mail. Instead, type in the address in the browser and go directly to the website. "Chances are," Gunsch said, "those (links) are very well constructed scams."

When shopping at the stores, Teresa Page, manager of Northtowne Mall, also offered a bit of shopping advice.

First and foremost, "Keep your purse with you," Page said. Too often, she said she has seen purses and packages left out in the open in strollers and shopping carts -- with the owners nowhere to be seen.

When it comes to packages, Page said it is much safer to take a quick trip out to the vehicle to drop off a load than to carry packages around the store.

This past weekend, Page said, "I saw people carrying too much." Some of these people proceeded to set down their packages to search for something, which is a prime way to lose track of items. It is also recommended that people don't overload themselves with packages, giving them freedom of motion to avoid mishaps, she commented.

While Page said that the mall "doesn't experience a lot of theft" like the larger cities, it is still a good idea to stay alert and sensible during the holiday shopping season.

That sensibility should also be observed when it comes to children, Page noted. "Don't leave your kids unattended in the toy store," she said. Dropping children off with a couple of dollars to shop on their own while the parents head to another store, Page said, is not recommended. "Especially at this time of year. Keep your kids with you. You just don't know what can happen."

Whether near or far, tips offered by the Los Angeles Police Department Crime Prevention Section can help shoppers protect themselves. The department suggests people:

-- Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.

-- Dress casually and comfortably.

-- Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.

-- Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible.

-- Always carry your driver's license or identification card along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use.

-- Stay alert to your surroundings.

-- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. What you do carry, keep it in your front pocket.

-- Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.

-- Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.

-- Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.

-- Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas.

-- Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, con artists may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.