Houston police send out warning to shoppers

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- If you carry a purse, a briefcase, or a backpack, Houston police officers gathered Tuesday morning to deliver a warning.

Watch out in parking lots and shopping plazas across the city. They said people can become victims in seconds. HPD even arranged a demonstration to show how quickly crooks can grab your belongings and take off. They stressed during the summer months there is a spike in these types of crimes.

"People get very busy. They are out shopping, they have a long list of things to do in the daytime," said Officer James Sobota with the Houston Police Department. "We're saying from the moment you leave your house until the moment you get back home ... just be away of your surroundings."

Tips include keeping your bag free of clutter, personal information, and to only carry essentials. Officers also suggested strapping your bag to shopping carts, carrying them tightly, and on the opposite side of traffic.