Spending, boxes can alert thieves during holidays

Police are warning last-minute shoppers to keep their wits about them as they grab their gifts.

Thieves keep an eye out for anyone flashing a lot of money in a store or carrying a lot of packages to a vehicle during the shopping season.

“Even though you’re trying to be safe by putting it in the trunk, if you’re not watching the guys that’s watching you put it in the trunk, he may come back after you leave and break into your trunk,” said Surprise Police Sgt. Mike Donovan.

After the stores close, thieves often scour neighborhood streets, looking for boxes of high-dollar items, such as televisions, sitting outside homes.

“Don’t leave that box out there on the curbside for trash,” said Donovan. “That alerts bad guys that there’s a nice 50-inch television inside the residence.”