The rush for holiday shopping has officially begun. It is a shorter shopping season this year for many who wait until after Thanksgiving to begin their gift buying.

The constant running that surrounds the holiday shopping season means shoppers need to practice common sense and have an awareness of their surroundings in order to make sure it is a safe shopping season. In addition, concerns about COVID-19 will change the way retailers will operate and how customers can access their offerings.

Put your own safety and the well-being of those around you first, and follow state guidelines when you are out in public. That can be especially trying for residents of an area like ours, where shoppers regularly visit stores in Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. For example, wear a mask when you are in public. Most retailers have hand sanitizer available near every door and in various places throughout the store.

Take the extra couple of minutes to use a disinfecting wipe on the cart before you use it. Respect social distancing, while you are walking up and down and the aisles and while you are in line waiting to check out.

There are other ways to be careful, as well. Thieves look for the opportunities the season brings. They know store security and police are busy with people trying to shoplift. They prey on the easy targets, who are tired from going from store to store.

Here are a few things to keep in mind so you don’t become one of those targets.

One of the most basic safe holiday shopping tips is to avoid carrying large sums of cash. Don’t carry a wallet or purse. If you do have to carry cash, distribute the amount among several different pockets. Better yet, pay with a credit card.

Keep receipts separate from bags of gifts. Receipts can sometimes contain account information that can be used in identity theft.

Shop in a group. There is always safety in numbers. Also, try to leave the mall or store with a group of people, especially when it is dark. Try to do shopping during the day.

Shop in areas that you are familiar with and avoid dark hallways or corners.

Bring along a cell phone and make sure it is turned on.

Thieves also target vehicles loaded with holiday gifts.

Keep gifts in the trunk. Keep all doors locked in the vehicle. Don’t store valuable gifts in the backseat in plain view. Have your vehicle key in hand and ready to use when approaching the vehicle. Many vehicle keychains have a panic button that will sound the car horn and flash the lights.

Don’t laden yourself with an armful of packages. Ask for help from a store worker to get large packages to your vehicle. Park in well-lit areas as close to the store as possible.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department and other law enforcement agencies traditionally have staffed patrols around shopping centers. By being visible, they can help cut down on crime.

Safe shopping online also is important. Change passwords often. Only shop at websites you trust.

Consider having packages shipped to work if possible or have a neighbor immediately get the package after delivery. Porch pirates are always looking for packages left alone.

The holiday season is about sharing gifts — don’t make it easy for a thief to steal your holiday spirit.

Be safe, smart and aware of your surroundings while shopping.