State police offer safe shopping tips

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - The holiday season is a busy time, especially when it comes to holiday shopping. Stores can often be packed with people and have long lines as you wait to pay for your items.

Indiana State Police want you to stay safe as you shop this year. They say this is a time of year when you need to take extra caution.

"The shopping season can sometimes be the be all for criminals," said Indiana State Police Sgt. Joe Watts. "In other words, this is their time of year. They know you're going to be carrying heavy packages. They know there will be a lot of women shopping alone."

There are several things you can do to stay safe such as parking in secure areas, shop in pairs, don't carry large sums of cash, don't leave your purse unattended and put your shopping bags in the trunk of your vehicle.