BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – ‘Tis the season for shopping, travel, and ‘Grinches.’ The Bryan Police Department (BPD) joined News 3 at Noon on Thursday to talk about holiday safety and shopping awareness.

Officer Seth Waller with BPD urged residents to be aware while walking through retail parking lots and report any suspicious activity.

Shoppers can be careful not to lure would-be thieves to their car with presents, packages, or other valuables in plain view.

“We preach ‘lock, take, hide’ all the time. So, lock your vehicles, take anything valuable out, or hide it in the trunk if you’re going to continue to shop,” Ofc. Waller advised.

Police are also warning about a crime called ‘bank jugging.’

Bank jugging is a term used to describe suspects who sit in a bank parking lot and watch customers go in and out. The suspects then follow the customers they believe are in possession of cash and look for an opportunity to burglarize their vehicles or rob them directly.

“Lock that up or go straight to your destination with that cash,” said Ofc. Waller.

It’s also a good time to start thinking about keeping your home safe while you’re out of town for the holidays.

“Make sure your houses and windows are locked, set your security alarms, let your neighbors know you’re going to be gone for a while,” Ofc. Waller added.

Also, take valuables with you and don’t leave packages on your front porch.

Bryan residents can request neighborhood patrols by calling (979) 209-5300.

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