News About Town: Matthews Police remind you to shop safely this holiday season. They’ve compiled a list of helpful tips, including a few that would’ve helped victims of credit card theft recently.

• Set text alerts on your debit/credit cards so that you know exactly when a transaction is made on your account.

• Keep your purse zipped or fastened at all times.

• Keep your purse in the shopping cart in front of you, and never leave it unattended.

• If you are shopping at night or if there's a possibility that it will be dark when you return to your car, park under or near lighting.

• Have your keys ready and in hand before you get to the parking lot, you do not want to be fumbling for your keys while standing at your car.

• Always practice the HIDE, LOCK, TAKE method: HIDE your items out of plain sight that could be seen when looking in the car windows. LOCK all doors and close all windows completely. TAKE all items of value out of the vehicle when parking it.

• Last but not least, do your best to ensure that your situational awareness is always up for suspicious people around you.

News Around Town: This is the last week to apply for holiday assistance through Matthews Gives Back. Recipients will shop at Town Hall in the Hood Room, choosing from new items, donated through a town-wide drive. Matthews Gives Back is sponsored by the Town of Matthews, Matthews HELP Center, Matthews United Methodist Church, and other local nonprofits. To apply, contact the HELP Center by December 7 at 704-847-8383. More info here: https://www.matthewsnc.gov/newsview.aspx?nid=6363

One Fun Thing: This Saturday, December 7, at 10 am, Greater Matthews Habitat invites you to join them to celebrate the completion of the 2019 Faith BUILD home. Committed to making sure everyone has an affordable and safe place to live, the newest Habitat home belongs to Moulay and Samia. It is the 108th Habitat-built home in the Matthews area.