If you're holiday shopping right now, Sioux Falls Police Information Officer Sam Clemens offers tips that could prevent you from getting ripped off!

""We get a tremendous amount of calls where items are taken from vehicles when they're left unlocked.  You need to lock your vehicles and if you have packages or presents inside---lock them in a secure place.  The best place to put them is in the trunk.  If you don't have a trunk, cover up the packages with a blanket."

Clemens urges shoppers to stay alert while walking to their vehicles.  "A lot of people get that sense because they're in a big parking lot that nothing bad is going to happen.  That's not necessarily the case.  It's always a good idea to keep an eye on your surroundings.  If you see someone around you or something that doesn't seem right, call the police and have it checked out."

Officer Clemens says talking or texting on your phone while walking is a distraction and makes you an easy target!

 

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