Police patrols increase for holidays

NORTH HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- As many of you are busy buying gifts this holiday season, police say thieves may try to rip you off while you're inside shopping so they are stepping up patrols.

It's all about grab and go. Santa's not the only one with a list to check.

"Coming out here shopping for the grandkids looking for an X-box and a little people Princess house," Peggy Frawley said.

"A train set that's big and a new iPad I think," Melanie Tracz said.

"Just doing some holiday Christmas shopping looking for decorations for the outside of the house," Karen DiCapua said.

And while shoppers search for the perfect find, Police say thieves are doing the same thing in the parking lot.

"During the holiday season we typically see a spike or some more activity all around especially in the shopping areas with criminal activity," Lt. Kevin Glenn of the North Haven Police Dept. said.

But police say more than half of car break-ins can be prevented before you even leave the parking lot and grab your shopping cart.

"In 2012, over 50% of car break-ins were cars that were not secured," Lt. Glenn said.

It's as simple as locking your doors, parking in well-lit spaces and keeping your bags hidden.

North Haven police say they're patrolling and thieves may be noticing.

"The last week typically where we begin to see the spike in car break-ins and criminal acitivity, we haven't seen it yet," Lt. Glenn said.

The shoppers News 8 found are also on alert.

"I try to look around if I do have any concerns. I try to put my pocketbook over my shoulder," DiCapua said.

"If I'm by myself with him, I don't shop at night, I go during the day. If daddy's with us we'll go at night," Tracz said.

That's not a bad idea when you've got your arms full and sticky fingers could be lurking.