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Holiday shoppers should think twice this year before using their credit and check cards instead of cash, according to Prince George's County Police Detective Joey Benford. These days, he said, you can't even trust cashiers not to steal your information.

"If you can not take a card and scan it through a machine and press your own PIN number, I'd say don't do it," he said.

Benford was one of several county police officers who hosted a safe shopper seminar Monday night in Beltsville. They warned residents that while the upcoming holiday season is a joyous time, it is also a time when shoppers are especially vulnerable.

"Everyone says this is the season to be jolly," said police Cpl. Gerald Knight. "This is the season to get robbed."

The officers spent about an hour giving advice to residents on how to protect their money and belongings during the holidays. They said shoppers can remain safe by paying close attention to their surroundings from the time they arrive at a store to the time they get home.

Consumers should park in well-lit areas and avoid leaving valuables in unattended vehicles, police said, and should conceal them while driving. They added that while in-car safety devices aren't fail-safe, they can deter potential carjackers.

In stores, shoppers should avoid concealed or unpopulated areas and never leave belongings or young children unattended. Benford's credit card advice resonated with many residents in attendance, who said they'd never considered the dangers of handing a credit card to a sales clerk.

"I didn't realize how much you need to [consider] that," said Catherine Williams of Laurel. "I found that very helpful."

When returning the car, police said, shoppers should make sure that they have their keys in hand before exiting a store. They should also shop in groups whenever possible and request a security guard escort if they feel unsafe.

At home, police said, people should keep presents and valuables away from windows, where they might be visible to passers-by. Residents were also told to consider buying security systems or dogs for protection, and to keep a record of their valuables, just in case their theft has to be reported to police or insurance companies.

"Not to scare you," Benford said, "but these are some of the things you want to think about."

E-mail David Hill at dhill@gazette.net.