IMPD Shares Holiday Shopping Safety PSA Video

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — As holiday shopping continues across the area, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department wants shoppers to stay safe while out and about. On Tuesday, IMPD shared their Holiday Shopping Safety and Theft Prevention PSA, featuring some members of our community.

IMPD is reminding shoppers to stay alert while walking in parking lots and to keep all shopping bags and gifts hidden while inside vehicles.(Subscribe to the Indianapolis Patch daily newsletter which is delivered to your inbox once a day to keep you updated with breaking news and other updates, for free. Make sure to "Like" Indianapolis Patch on Facebook).

In the PSA video (above), IMPD provided the following tips and reminders for holiday shoppers:

• Park in well-lit spaces
• Make sure cars are locked and windows are closed
• Hide all shopping bags, gifts and other valuable items in the trunk, or cover them with a blanket or rear cover in an SUV or van.
• Stay off your cell phone while walking to your car, as talking or texting is a distraction and makes you a more accessible target for theft and other crime.
• Have key fob in hand, ready to press the panic button
• Teach children to go to a store clerk or security guard if you get separated

As always, report any suspicious activity to police immediately.

Video: IMPD News; Image via Patch file photo