According to Don Martin of the Tyler Police Department, "The most common thing we're going to see this year is thefts."
And while that may not be a huge surprise, some criminals actually have the audacity to target you, right in the open at just the right time.
"They put their purse right there in the top of their shopping cart and then they turn around and they're looking at something. Someone's waiting for that opportunity for you not to look or to walk down a little bit of ways from that purse." Don adds.
Here's another tip, while you're out and about doing your shopping, try not to be so distracted by your cell phone. Trade it in for your keys instead, so you can get to your car quickly.
Although that doesn't guarantee your safety, parking lot cameras aren't a huge deterrent for criminals, so police recommend you remain alert at all times. However, Don also says there is one particular item you might want to keep hidden away.
He says, "More and more people are carrying guns in their cars today because it's legal and they leave it in there overnight. That's what criminals are out there looking for is a quick gun."
Even if crowds are not your thing and you prefer shopping from the comfort of your living room, thieves won't hesitate to hit you on the home front.
"Everyone today can get cameras cheaply so there's a lot of surveillance cameras, homes, businesses, even on cars looking for the bad guy that's gonna be doing something." said Don
Unfortunately, it's nothing new, Holidays mean more people are spending money and these common crimes come in all shapes and sizes.
Lastly, Don warns people, "that ranges from shoplifters to people burglarizing your home, businesses as well as auto burglaries."
