While shoppers are busy selecting gifts for loved ones, thieves are also busy looking for opportunities.

“When shopping, always put the packages in your trunk,” explained Wyoming County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy C.S. Parker.

“Don’t leave purses in vehicles,” he emphasized.

Thieves will break out windows to get to the items, especially purses, they can see, Parker noted.

“Be aware. When you come out of the store, look around before walking on to your vehicle,” he said.

“You see these elderly women in these parking lots having their purses stolen, being drug to the ground,” added Wyoming County Sheriff Randall Aliff. “To me, that’s unacceptable to have that happen. Everybody needs to be on guard and phone the police if they see something.”

Parker also emphasized, when shopping after dark, park in lighted areas.

Additionally, thieves could be watching homes, waiting for residents to leave for shopping trips, officials note.

“Have somebody check on the property while you’re away,” Parker emphasized. “Ask trusted neighbors to keep an eye on things.”

Use lights on timers, so it appears someone is home, Parker explained.

If possible, leave a vehicle in the driveway.

A desperate need for narcotics is fueling the majority of robberies and other crimes in southern West Virginia.

“The addicts are getting extremely desperate,” Aliff said.

“Ninety percent of our thefts go back to a person who has a habit they are trying to take care of,” Aliff explained.

As the number of crimes increase and addicts go to more desperate measures, law enforcement officials emphasize the need for people to be more aware.

“People are going to have to be more observant. They need to watch their own property, but they also need to watch their neighbor’s,” Aliff explained.

“People need to be aware of their surroundings when they’re out.

“If they see something suspicious, they need to report it to us,” he said.

“We’re all going to have to work together to protect our property,” he emphasized.

“More people are going to have to step up to stop this stuff. I know a lot of people are afraid of becoming involved, that needs to change.”

Alarm systems are a good way to protect property for homeowners and business owners, Aliff said. Some systems can notify law enforcement and/or neighbors in the event a break-in occurs while the homeowner is away.

Video surveillance systems are an excellent way to protect businesses, especially in pharmacies, convenience stores, or other businesses where thieves hope to get away quickly.

“With video, we have a picture and we can find out who the person is. When we go to court, it gives us a lock on our case too,” Aliff explained.

In the event of a robbery attempt at a business, it is best to give the thief what he/she asks for rather than try to put up a fight, Aliff emphasized.

It is always best to let the authorities handle the situation, he said.