Police: Be Viligant About Safety During Shopping Excursions

While Suffolk County is amping up patrols during the holiday season, they also want shoppers to follow a few easy personal safety tips and precautions to protect themselves.

Here is a short list of best practices shoppers should be following:

• Always be aware of your surroundings.
• Park as close to the entrances and exits of stores as possible.
• Park in well lit areas.
• Lock your vehicle and do not leave any valuables inside.
• Do not leave your holiday purchases in view in your vehicle. Save expensive purchases for last so you can head straight home.
• Have your keys ready when you approach your vehicle.
• f you see suspicious activity call 911.
• Women should protect their pocketbooks by carrying the bags in front of them.
• Avoid using ATMs outside at night.
• Have an estimated time you will arrive home from shopping. Be sure to share that information with family and friends.

Police officers, in uniform and plain clothes, have enhanced their presence at malls, shopping centers and downtowns this holiday season.

"The holidays can be a hectic time of year and it's very easy to get distracted but it's important that residents remain alert while shopping," said Police Commissioner Richard Dormer.

Just this past weekend police apprehended a Central Islip Man for allegedly stealing 15 purses  from shoppers throughout Suffolk County over the past three weeks.

Suarez was charged with six counts of grand larceny and nine counts of robbery for snatching purses in Bay Shore, Central Islip, Deer Park, Commack and Bohemia, according to police.