It's almost too much: Holiday lights, Christmas lists and children pressing to see Santa and his elves.

        Law enforcers agree that 'tis the season for Christmas shoppers to be a little distracted and, therefore, more vulnerable to thieves.

PROTECT YOURSELF

Some holiday shopping safety tips from area law enforcers, who say the guiding principle for criminals is “out of sight, out of mind”:     • Do not leave valuables in plain view inside your vehicle.     • Shop with someone rather than alone.     • Be aware of your surroundings.     • Park and walk in well-lighted areas.     • Do not carry large sums of cash or credit cards that you do not intend to use.

        They haven't noticed a rash of thefts or burglaries but offered some advice to those forging their way through crowded malls and department stores at this hectic time of year.

        “We've been lucky this season. We haven't had any problems with thefts and gifts,” said Sgt. John McDermond of the Florence Police Department, which helps patrol Florence Mall.

        But shoppers “are more distracted during the holiday season,” he said. “The malls are more crowded. There are more people to contend with. More people are trusting at this time of year and are open to scams.”

        Many stores hire security officers, which helps keep thieves at bay. Cashing bad checks and trying to return stolen items are popular crimes at this time of year, law enforcers said.

        Shoplifting hasn't been a problem at Tri-County Mall in Springdale. The city's police department dispatches more cops to patrol the mall in December, Lt. Rick Neumann said.

        “Basically, we put more manpower over there,” he said. “There's more money. It's just that simple. If there's more people, there's going to be more traffic. There's going to be more accidents. Unfortunately, there's going to be more crime.”

        Biggs at Forest Fair Mall added extra security about two months ago after noticing a theft increase. The new measures included “highly visible security,” said Dan Seminatore, the store's loss prevention agent.

        More security guards were hired, mall security stepped up patrols and a Forest Park police officer was hired to patrol the store on Saturday nights.

        The No. 1 step shoppers can take to avoid being a victim of a crime is not to leave valuables, such as purses, in unattended carts, Mr. Seminatore said.
       

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