Come Friday morning, shoppers are expected to descend upon stores across Fayette County in hopes of getting super deals on Christmas presents.

But police are urging caution, warning shoppers to lock their car doors and keep their purses close by while perusing the aisles.

“The main thing is to lock your car everywhere,” Trainor said, adding that extends to not just while shopping but also at home whether the vehicle is in the carport or garage. “Many people like to leave their keys on the console,” and criminals notice, she added.

Fayetteville police are urging shoppers to forego the use of purses altogether, Trainor said. It’s easy for shoppers to get caught up in the moment and lose track of a purse, making it an easy target for criminals, Trainor said.

“Take only what you need to go shopping: your credit card, your license, checks. That’s all that you need,” Trainor said.

Women who decide to bring purses anyway should keep them close at hand, Trainor said. That can help prevent the theft of credit cards and checks, all of which can lead directly to identity fraud in the hands of criminals, Trainor said.

All shoppers should be aware of their surroundings and be on the lookout for anyone following them, Trainor said. The bad guys are always looking for distracted victims to take advantage of, she added.

Fayetteville police will have a stepped-up presence at the Pavilion, where Kohl’s Department Store will open at 4 a.m. Police are also expecting lines outside some stores such as Best Buy before they open to the public.

“Be careful, and be patient both in traffic and with other people,” Trainor said.

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