By BRENT MARTIN
St. Joseph Post
Christmas shoppers beware.
Area law enforcement officials are cautioning consumers to be careful while out shopping during this holiday season.
Buchanan County Sheriff Commander Shawn Collie says you can’t be too careful when out shopping.
“We start seeing more and more thefts from vehicles, even from residences,” Collie says. “We’re even seeing now, while people are shopping, leaving their purse or something in the cart that someone might be able to take.”
Collie says theft this time of year is a very real problem. He advises consumers to stay vigilant.
“Not leaving gifts or items, especially expensive items, just visible in the vehicles,” Collie says. “Unfortunately, it seems more and more every day that our criminals are becoming more brazen and just daylight stuff, breaking into the cars, and just stealing from people or vehicles, residences.”
Collie says consumers must always take their surroundings into account, including being careful where they park their vehicles. Keep packages out of sight, preferably locked in the trunk.