NORWICH – The Norwich City Police Department wants people to be aware of safety precautions they can take this holiday season when out shopping.

“This holiday season should be a joyous one for everyone. There are however, some people who prey upon others this time of year. Theft, larceny identify theft and lost children are something police agencies are always alert for during the Christmas season,” said Norwich Police Chief Joseph Angelino.

The chief said one of the most common places for items to be stolen was from a car in a parking lot, especially during the holiday season.

“This time of year, criminals know that vehicles are likely to be full of stuff and there will be people out this shopping season who will be checking for unlocked car doors, hoping to find something of value,” he said.

Police said area residents should be even more careful when traveling to a larger area such as a mall or if they intend to shop electronically online.

Angelino said thieves were interested in either property of value or a person’s private information.

The chief said locked doors are not always enough to stop a theft and he encourages people to place packages and items of worth out of sight in the trunk.

“Locked cars are a good start, but some perpetrators will smash a window to gain access to a $300 item that’s right in front of them,” said Angelino, referring to the GPS systems many cars have.