Deck the halls with common sense and alertness. Fa la la la la, la la la la.

It’s not a normal Christmastime tune, but as the holidays crank up, criminals of the lowest sort creep out and hope to take advantage of our busyness and rushed season.

Obviously, avoiding crime altogether is probably impossible.

But law enforcement professionals tell us a key thing that can help us avoid becoming victims is good use of common sense.

Simple things like being alert to one’s surroundings helps, as does traveling with others, if possible. Don’t carry money or valuables when it’s not necessary.

Locking a door is one of the easiest things we can do, but so often the unlocked door, window or vehicle enables a criminal.

Criminals are the ultimate enemy of good, law-abiding citizens.

But if the good folks all pay attention, look out for one another and use common sense, we can help thwart crime before it happens and become active partners in helping our law enforcement officers keep our community safe.

Coordinate with your friends, family and neighbors this year and let’s make this season a bad one to be a criminal.