Henrico Police shares shopping safety tips for this holiday season

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- The Henrico County Police Division is providing holiday shoppers with safety tips as residents take to the stores for Black Friday.

Friday, Nov. 28 marks the beginning of Black Friday, when several shoppers will take to stores to purchase discounted items this holiday season.

Henrico County Police are providing residents with the following tips on how to keep you and your valuables safe while completing holiday shopping this weekend.

• Keep purchases locked in the trunk of your vehicle. If you do not have a trunk, make sure to keep your purchases out of plain sight.
• Make sure to close your windows, lock your doors and do not leave your keys in the vehicle.
• Be sure not to leave your car running and unattended. This makes you a target for potential thieves who may want more than just your recent purchases.
• Park in a well-lit area.

Most importantly, if you do become a victim of theft, report it immediately.

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"We do not know who, what, where and when a theft has occurred," police said. "Reports play a very important role in identifying crime trends and help us determine when and where to increase patrol."

Reports of thefts or suspicious activity can be made to Henrico Police at 804-501-5000.