With just seven days left until Christmas, retail centers are sure to be packed with shoppers searching for the perfect gift.

All those cars in parking lots and distracted shoppers can unfortunately lead to criminals taking advantage of easy targets.

To prevent such crimes, Owasso police have stepped up patrol in their busy shopping areas.

“We dedicate officers all the time for parking lot security, for beat patrols where we’re walking through all the stores and then this year of course we brought on our drone teams just to keep an overwatch of the ins and outs of the parking lots.” Lieutenant Nick Boatman told KRMG.

Parking close to the store, within view of a security camera, and in high traffic areas are good ways to keep the belongings in your car safe, Lt. Boatman said.

He also said it’s a good idea to keep valuables, such as purses or gifts, out of view. If you’re making multiple stops, he said put those purchases in your truck or hidden so crooks don’t spot them if they peek into your windows.

The last bit of advice may sound obvious, but police say lots of items are stolen from unlocked cars, so they’re reminding folks to lock those doors.

Hear more from Lt. Boatman here