It’s crunch time for holiday shopping. This year, people have one less week between Thanksgiving and Christmas, so the rush is on to get that shopping done.

Folks are already out and about with their lists and checking them twice, but the sheriff of Ontario County wants to remind residents to always be aware of their surroundings when they are shopping and when they are entering and exiting the mall or store.

“People have to be alert,” said Ontario County Sheriff David Cirencione from the Eastview Mall on Monday. “People have to report and tell us when they see something suspicious.

“If you do a lot of shopping and you’re going to be making trips out to your car and back, put your recently purchased gifts and belongings in the trunk or someplace in the car where they can’t be seen to just eliminate the possibility of a target for somebody. And that goes with cell phones, wallets [or] purses. Don’t leave that stuff in your vehicle. And if you’re going to, certainly don’t leave it where people can see it.”

Cirencione says the majority of mall thefts happen by a suspect looking for the quickest, easiest way to steal something and get away.

He says there is a recent uptick in the theft of wallets, purses and credits cards.

“And that’s generally a result of people leaving a purse or a handbag or a wallet on a counter, in a fitting room, in a shopping cart while they’re shopping,” Cirencione said. “And it only takes a couple of minutes.”

One shopper says she already takes precautions when she visits the mall and other shopping locations.

“When I come out of the mall, I’m kind of just being very aware of my surroundings and kind of just looking around being like, well, what cars are the closest to me? Are there people in them? Are there people walking out of the mall with me? So, kind of just being like that,” said Anna Meumier of Avon. “And I also always try to have my keys ready just so I can unlock my door.”

It’s a plan that is right on target with the sheriff’s advice.

“So the big thing is, be aware of your surroundings and be aware of your personal property and keep it with you at all times, because it only takes a minute for somebody to see the opportunity and seize it,” Cirencione said. 

Some other advice includes, if you know you’re going to be shopping late, try to park near a lit area and don’t forget where you park.