HPD offers tips for shoppers during holiday season

HOUSTON HPD is reminding everyone to lock their doors, pull up your windows all the way and get everything out of sight, especially when you are at a mall or shopping center. Police say ever year, they see property crimes like thefts spike during the holidays. They say it doesn't even matter what you leave in plain sight. Criminals may see spare change and they may go after it.

While you may have a lot of things going on, police say you really need to take a moment and protect yourself against thieves.

"Perhaps people again are so busy they leave valuables in plain viewing sight, like laptops, GPS systems, packages where they have been out shopping at various malls and shopping centers," said Captain Robert Manzo with the Houston Police Department.

If you try to hide items in your trunk, police say try being discreet about it.