‘Tis the season. It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Days are merry and bright.

It’s a time of joy and celebration, a time of generosity. Though most people are putting great thought into the gifts they’re giving others, there are others who are plotting ways to take those gifts away.

Call it the seedy underbelly of Christmas. While the non-criminal is going about his or her business of celebrating the holiday, the criminal among us are looking for opportunities to capitalize on the season. Unfortunately, with the season comes the need to be smart about preventing those opportunities. Here are a few suggestions.

Keep an eye on that shopping cart. Plenty of girls and women, by habit, grab a shopping cart and plant a purse in the top basket so they can shop hands-free. If that’s you, don’t walk away from your cart. All it takes is a moment for someone to grab that purse and run.

Don’t leave gifts in the car. Everyone’s busy, so finding time shop means it sometimes has to happen in one fell swoop. Would-be thieves, however, could be eyeing all those shopping bags piled into the car as a shopper visits store after store and comes out with bag after bag of gifts. If you have a trunk, put your purchases there; if not, find a method — coats, blankets, etc. — to hide gift bags and remove the temptation by those scouting for goods.

Don’t leave your boxes curbside. Did you get the latest gaming system, a 52-inch TV or some other goody for Christmas? Did it come in a box displaying that new item clearly? If so, do not put those boxes curbside days in advance of trash pickup. They only serve as advertising for those looking for a house to break into. Keep boxes out back or in the garage and put them out the day the garbage truck comes around. Otherwise, it’s the same as putting a sign out saying, “Look here! This house has expensive things!”

Going out of town? Many people travel to visit family over the holidays, but just because you’re out of town doesn’t mean it has to look like it. Empty houses are the preferred break-in — there’s less chance of getting caught that way. It may be worth investing in timers so lights can be set to turn on or off. It’s definitely worth enlisting the help of friends or neighbors to stop by to pick up the mail. Having someone park a car in an empty driveway, or move a car that was left behind, gives the appearance of being present even when one is far away from home.

Enjoy the holiday season, but be aware that not everyone is looking forward Christmas for the same reasons.