SAN ANTONIO —Not everyone has elves working on their Christmas presents, which means many people head to busy shopping centers to check off their holiday lists. The problem, police say, is that thieves are aware of this as well. While your eyes are on your list, their eyes may be on your car.

Holiday Crime Reduction Task Force Returns

The San Antonio Police Department has relaunched its Holiday Crime Reduction Task Force, an annual effort to curb a seasonal rise in vehicle burglaries. Officers are increasing patrols in shopping center parking lots and watching for suspicious activity.

Officers pointed out how visible merchandise left inside vehicles can attract criminals. They also checked doors, noting how many drivers still leave their cars unlocked.

Police Deploy Data-Driven Patrols

Officer Levi Talamas said SAPD crime analysts help determine where police will be stationed.

“We have crime analysts letting us know when the most frequent burglaries are happening and where, so we can deploy resources ahead of those target windows where we see the most uptick,” Talamas said.

The most frequent hot spots include large retail centers such as La Cantera, The Rim, The Quarry, and North Star Mall. Locations close to highways or major roads tend to be targeted more often because thieves can leave quickly, Talamas said.

The Annual Reminder: Hide It, Lock It, Don’t Leave It

Police repeat the same message every year: Hide your valuables, take them with you, or lock them in the trunk.

One common mistake is leaving cars unlocked. Officers say that gives criminals an easy opportunity to get inside without drawing attention.

If you need to drop off bags between shopping trips, police suggest documenting your belongings. Officer Daniel Casas said taking photos of purchases and keeping serial numbers can help officers identify stolen property if it turns up later.

Choosing a Safe Parking Spot

Police recommend parking in well-lit areas, close to store entrances, and within view of security cameras. Those factors give officers a better starting point if a theft occurs and may deter criminals looking for an easier target.

As crowds grow throughout December, SAPD hopes the increased patrols and some simple precautions will help prevent holiday shopping trips from ending in frustration.