PINE BELT, Miss. (WDAM) – There wasn’t much action at stores like Walmart and Target this Thanksgiving, as families enjoyed their meals and got ready for the next big, holiday: Black Friday.

For shoppers, this will be a chance to catch some good deals.

But local enforcement warned that Black Friday also offers an opportunity for criminals to smash and grab.

“They’ll break your side window, reach and grab what they see, and they’re gone with it in 10 to 15 seconds,” said Jones County Sheriff’s Department public information officer Lance Chancellor said.

The National Retail Federation predicts around $989 billion in holiday spending between November and December.

Electronics and apparel are expected to be among the most popular purchases during that time.

Chancellor said situational awareness was key to making it home with your new items.

“When you’re bringing your packages back to your vehicle, put them in the trunk, conceal them where they can’t be seen,” said Chancellor. “Don’t leave valuables out in plain view.”

Shoppers also want to be aware of porch pirates and keep any online deliveries out of plain view at home.

Chancellor added that home cameras also could be a good investment.

“Whether it’s UPS, FedEx, USPS, any of the contract services out delivering packages, instruct them on a hidden place to drop off your packages if you’re not home that time,” said Chancellor.

Since 2006, 125 injuries and 17 deaths have been reported during Black Friday.

Many of them stemmed from arguments over items like televisions.

Most major retailers will have security around, but help is just a phone call away.

“If store management sees something developing, or if you as a shopper see something developing, call 911,” Chancellor said.

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