WACO, TX — Shoppers hit the stores on Thanksgiving for early Black Friday deals. But police say, so did crooks looking to steal almost every item on someone's Christmas list.
Cops have holiday-saving advice, which they say, could also save your life.
Emily Diederchs, and her aunt snuck out of a Thanksgiving football game to look for early black Friday bargains.
Maybe El Paso, maybe Odessa, reminded them, something could be sneaking out there... for them.
"Do I feel less safe out here these days? For the most part, kinda. What am I doin' about that? We're making sure our car is locked, we make sure we park close to the front of the place."
It may seem like "the most wonderful time of the year," but police call it, "the most vulnerable time of the year."
"You have money on you, people know you have money on you, You're just not as secure as you would need to be," explained Steve O'Neal of the Copperas Cove Police Department.
So how can you take charge to make sure crime doesn't steal your holiday joy?
We've got tips, 16 police-approved tips to lessen your chances of becoming a crime victim this holiday season.
Let's start simple.
Lock your car, roll up the windows, don't leave valuables where anybody can see them, park in well-lit areas, don't put personal property in shopping carts, and park near a cart corral, as they draw more traffic.
"When you're walking back to your vehicle, have your keys ready," said O'Neal.
How'd the Diederichs do? Nothing valuable in view, and they traveled in a pair for safety.... But... and this is a big one.
”Main thing is, be aware of your surroundings at all times. The folks are watching you, when you're not watching them," warned O'Neal.
And as the Diederchs' wrapped up their conversation, a loud noise interrupted. Emily's Aunt, acutely aware of her surroundings, grabbed Emily and they ran for cover.
Lucky for all, what "sounded" like gunshots, actually came from a group of teenagers running by, in cowboy boots.
But, if they'd been attackers with guns, the Diederches' would likely have survived.
