Holiday shopping crimes: what you need to know

PERMIAN BASIN, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) – As shoppers are heading to malls and stores to buy holiday presents, they might not know the increase in shopping can lead to items being stolen. Heather Anderson from Midland Park Mall is reminding shoppers to be aware of their surroundings.

"If there's something that seems off or fishy to them, they can let the store managers know," she said. "They (the stores) do have their own policies as far as security goes, but they also utilize our security officers for anything that they need as well."

Anderson also suggested local stores keep an eye on their merchandise. Another way she said to ensure your gifts are safe is to bring a friend with you while you go shopping.

"They can keep a close eye on your belongings while you're in the store and make sure that everybody is surrounding you doesn't give them any concerns," Anderson said.

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Marc Contreras, a security manager for ICA Properties (which oversees security at Odessa's Music City Mall), said crime there increases during the holidays.

"The influx of extra customers obviously encourages people to do wrong sometimes, and so (the stores) do hire extra security," he said.

Contreras also said customers should not take their eyes off their belongings and park in a well-lit area if they shop at night.

The holiday shopping season is only getting busier, as Anderson says she expects between eight and 10 thousand customers at Midland Park Mall this weekend. The USA Today reported the National Retail Federation expects Americans to spend nearly $989 billion in total spending in November and December.