Thieves are opportunistic, looking for the easiest targets.

It may be a handbag left in an unlocked car or luggage left unattended at an airport. During the holiday season, thieves are most active when many people travel to visit family or friends and race from store to store for holiday shopping.

At the Fountain Hills Cares program on Thursday, Oct. 24, residents will learn from experts how to protect themself from harm and not be a victim of crime during the holiday season.

Presenters will share their expertise on how build situational awareness techniques, to avoid becoming a victim of holiday bandits.

One of the keynote speakers is Cathi Marx, a safety, security, insurance, and risk management professional with over 40 years of practical experience. Marx’s presentation will feature how to spot anomalies in everyday life that are indicators that something may be about to happen.

Attendees will learn to identify the importance of knowing alternate ways to exit places being visited and the use of kinesics, conscious and unconscious body language that may help identify people around us who may have intent to do harm. This presentation will use real-life examples to illustrate ways to protect oneself and family members by potentially avoiding unsafe situations.

A detective from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Property Crimes Unit will also present on how to secure the home and vehicles from thieves.

In addition to the presenters, a variety of safety experts will be on hand to answer questions about personal and property security.

To register for this free event, go to fountainhillsaz.gov/Fountain-Hills-Cares.