CHESAPEAKE, Va. — Shoppers, this alert's for you.
Chesapeake Police want to warn you about thieves looking to steal from you while you're shopping.
The department put out an alert on their Facebook page encouraging shoppers to make sure their bags and purses are secured or unopened while shopping.
They've received a number of reports about items being lifted from purses and bags at local stores. They say a suspect will distract you while their accomplice sifts through your bag and lifts items.
They've seen an increase in larcenies recently regarding this particular crime, and with the holiday season about to kick off, they expect it to get worse.
"There are a lot of investigations underway and I think there are a couple of instances where people have been charged," said Senior Police Officer Leo Kosinski.
Kosinski said people are stealing anything from electronics to money, wallets, and purses. He said it’s important to always lock your car and do not leave any valuables inside where people can see them.
He explained, “Items have been left out in plain sight. It doesn’t take much to break a window, [such as] a rock.”
Kosinski also when you enter a store, don’t put your keys, cell phone, purse or wallet in the shopping cart.
“There has been incidents where one person will come up and kind of distract the victim and then we had it where they have taken their car keys and then the two suspects will go out in the parking lot and push the buttons on the key fob until they hear a horn beep and they get a car stolen that way,” he explained.
Many shoppers told us the tips sound like common sense, but sometimes people are in a rush.
“I’m very alert. I’m looking around my surroundings. I am making sure that no one is following me or that I pulled up to a van that could snatch me into the van,” explained Stacey Gold.
Gold said she even wears a crossbody purse to make it harder for people to steal!
"Having a purse would be easier for someone to either cut it and you don’t even know or just snatch it from off your arm," she said. "This is a little more protected."
Kosinski said with Daylight Saving Time happening this weekend, it's important to always pay more attention in the evening and always park near a light if you are out at night.