Holiday Shopping: Make Your Trip A Safe One

It's the season of joy and good cheer, but criminals can turn your holiday into a nightmare. That's why savvy shoppers like Phyllis Keen are keeping safety top of mind this holiday season.

"I put things in the trunk that way people won't see what I bought t and I make sure I look around when I get out the car," said Keen.

Keen was shopping at the Wiregrass Commons Mall on Wednesday and she plans to continue her safe shopping practices for the rest of the season,

Keen's precautions could save her from becoming a target. Dothan Police Sergeant Rachel David  encouraged shoppers to be  extra vigilant because criminals are also looking forward to the big shopping day, but for a different reason--they're looking to steal your cash and purchases.

"There are going to be those people who are trying to victimize people. It's sad but it's true. That's why we're asking people to park in well lit areas and to not leave purses and packages in a vehicle in plain view. Sometimes shoppers get overloaded with packages and bags that they're not paying attention to their surroundings," said David.

David said during the busy holiday season shoppers become careless and more vulnerable to crime.

"We see that people are rushing trying to get in and out of a store quickly and this can cause them to do things like set down their wallet or things that they wouldn't do like sitting down their packages. It's all about planning your trip," continued David.

It's a few precautions that could make a shopping trip a safe one.