Police advise holiday shoppers to protect themselves from thieve - 19 Action News|Cleveland, OH|News, Weather, Sports

Police advise holiday shoppers to protect themselves from thieves

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SHREVEPORT, LA (KSLA) -

The holiday shopping season is here. The shoppers are not slowing down, but police say neither are the thieves.

Police are seeing thieves take advantage of holiday shoppers, and now they want you to be on the lookout and take the right steps to keep yourself safe.

Police suggest carrying debit or credit cards instead of large amounts of cash, leaving valuable items locked in the car and out of plain view, and parking in well lit areas.

Shoppers also should be aware of their surroundings because thieves are always waiting for the right chance to strike.

"The criminal element is familiar with this time of year. A lot of people leave valuables in plain view inside their vehicles, and an opportunistic thief will come and take advantage of that," says Shreveport Police Cpl. Marcus Hines.

The Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office already is investigating cases of thieves taking advantage of shoppers.

Copyright 2012 KSLA. All rights reserved.

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