With lists in hands and ideas abounding in their minds, Caldwell County shoppers soon will be flooding area stores to fulfill Christmas dreams.

However, with the added excitement of Christmas cheer often comes heightened opportunities for crime. That’s why area law enforcement officers remind citizens to keep their eyes and ears open, and to pay extra attention to their surroundings.

“The best advice I can share with citizens is to not let themselves become a victim,” said Det. B.J. Fore, of the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office. “Use common sense when you are out and about. If a situation doesn’t feel right, trust that instinct. It also is important to remember that if you give someone an opportunity to steal, they most likely will take it. Don’t open that door.”

Being smart starts before ever entering the store. Fore said people need to watch their surroundings in the parking lot. They should be on the lookout for people who are lingering around the area without a purpose because these people often are looking for the temptation to steal. Fore added that people should always park in well-lit areas, and when possible, go shopping with a buddy. He said that shopping in groups can prevent a common temptation for many criminals.

Once parked, Fore said those heightened senses should continue. He said customers should never leave their cell phones, GPS systems or other electronics lying in the front seat or on the floor while the car is unattended. This not only provides criminals the opportunity to take possession of someone’s belongings, it also opens the door to more serious crimes.

“We always tell people to look under the vehicle and in the backseat before getting in their vehicles in case someone is lurking around,” Fore said. “We want everyone to be safe this holiday season.”

Whether you are shopping at a mall or planning to run to several stores within the same trip, Caldwell Sheriff Alan Jones said it is important to always lock packages in the trunk or other hidden areas. He said people should remove the packages from the vehicle when they get home because even though the surprise element of Christmas is exciting, he doesn’t want items to get stolen. Jones said that some criminals will drive through neighborhoods looking for vehicles with easy access, much like they would in a parking lot.

“Unfortunately, when shopping, people have a tendency to let their guard down,” Jones said. “However, paying attention and taking precautions can help eliminate their chances of being victimized.”

Other things to keep in mind while shopping are to keep purses and wallets close to the body because it makes it more difficult for someone to snatch. In fact, Fore recommends that people only carry a debit card or minimal cash in their pocket so that no one can grab it. He also said that people should carry their keys in their hand when walking to their car. It provides people with a defense mechanism should someone approach them, and it also means quicker access to the safety of a vehicle.

Lenoir Police Department Lt. Allen Lawrence said Black Friday is not only a busy day of shopping, but there also are plenty of travelers. In fact, Lawrence said it usually is the busiest day of the year when it comes to traffic. He said law enforcement officers will have increased patrols that day, but people still should be extra cautious.

“In the rush of the holiday season, people sometimes forget to be mindful of what’s going on around them,” Lawrence said. “We just want to take a few moments and remind everyone to use caution both on the roads and while shopping.”