TAMPA (FOX 13) -
Chances are, at some point over the next month, you'll do some holiday shopping at the mall.
So will criminals, except they are hoping to steal your stuff.
So don't make it easy for them, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office says.
They have some reminders for some simple things you can do to avoid being a victim of a break-in.
Lock your car, and don't leave things on the seat or visible from outside -- lock them in the trunk.
Deputies also says there's one thing that everyone should do.
"Make sure you have your keys in your hand and you know where your car is parked. We don't want you walking out to your car being distracted, going through your bags, fumbling around, not paying attention to who is around you and coming behind you. Because you won't see if someone is coming up behind you or following you to your car, and we want you to be aware," said Donna Luscyznski, with the sheriff's office.
The sheriff's office also advises that you not talk or text while walking to your car – that could also keep you from seeing someone suspicious.
