ANCHORAGE – An Anchorage Police Department study reveals a recent rise in shoplifting and thefts from vehicles, and police warn shoppers to be especially alert during the holiday season.
The study, conducted by APD crime analysts, found a 25 percent increase in shoplifts between 2012 and 2013 and a 40 percent increase in thefts from vehicles during the same time period. With the holiday shopping season set to kick into high gear Friday, APD released a list of recomendations for Alaskan shoppers Wednesday.
Among the tips: stay alert, carry purses and bags close to your body, park in well-lit areas and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or storing holiday purchases in your vehicle.