Released: December 06, 2006

Shoppers: Watch out for crooks!

Source: Jayne O'Donnell, USA Today

Smart gift shopping starts at home with research and list making. But it also includes scrutinizing the parking areas around the stores where you shop.
The number of thieves that prey on harried shoppers increases along with the crowds in stores before Christmas, police and retail officials say.

Montgomery County, Md., police spokeswoman Melanie Hadley recommends that shoppers pay close attention to their surroundings while heading to their car. She reminds shoppers to close windows, place packages in the trunk or covered inside the car and to lock doors.

But don’t try to avert car break-ins by carrying packages around either. That will leave you fumbling with your keys, Hadley says.

“Don’t be too distracted by shopping and lulled into being less observant,” Hadley says. “And spread your shopping days out so you are not overburdened with packages.”

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