It’s almost Black Friday, when shoppers looking for bargains take advantage of sales offered by merchants. Unfortunately, thieves also are looking for opportunities to take advantage of shoppers.

To help shoppers be safe, Middle Georgia law enforcement representatives offered holiday shopping tips.

“Let’s start with purses and packages,” said Houston County sheriff’s Sgt. Ronnie Harlowe. “Don’t leave anything visible in your car -- purses and Christmas gifts you’ve already purchased.”

The list of no-nos left visible in vehicles also includes anything valuable such as laptop computers or iPods, police said.

“Don’t make it inviting for the crooks to break into your car,” Harlowe said.

He recommended locking gifts in the trunk and keeping all doors locked.

When using credit cards, Harlowe advised shoppers to keep up with purchases online and to notify financial institutions immediately of any purchases that don’t match up, he said.

Another holiday shopping tip: park in well-lighted areas and shop in pairs or groups, police said.

Sgt. Sean DeFoe, public information officer for the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, noted criminals are unlikely to target groups of shoppers.

DeFoe also suggested leaving purses at home and putting identification, checks and debit or credit cards in secure pockets.

With the focus on shopping, DeFoe said it is easy to leave a purse unattended or opened. Don’t be a target of a “snatch and grab,” DeFoe warned.

For merchants working the holiday sales, DeFoe recommended not being alone when leaving the store after closing and instead leave in groups. He also suggested that store owners keep holiday displays from blocking windows. That way, police can look in to make sure nothing is amiss, he said.

“Do not leave large sums of cash in the store and try not to keep large amounts of cash in the register,” DeFoe cautioned.

Fort Valley police Maj. Lawrence Spurgeon recommended shopping with a debit card and shopping during daylight hours if possible. He noted it’s unwise to carry large amounts of cash.

Allison Selman-Willis, public information officer for the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, suggested always having your car keys out before heading outside of the store to your vehicle. That keeps you from becoming an easy target by fumbling for your keys with arms loaded with packages, she said.

Selman-Willis stressed that shoppers should always be aware and alert of their surroundings. She also cautioned that shoppers should be watchful of cars whose drivers may be racing through the parking lot to the next sale. She urged motorists to be mindful of shoppers who may not be attentive while walking through parking lots.

Once at home with Christmas gifts, Selman-Willis recommended locking doors, making sure windows and garages also are locked and activating alarm systems.

She also suggested keeping blinds and drapes closed when not at home to remove the temptation of potential thieves peering through your windows, she said.

“As always, if you see anyone suspicious or any suspicious activity, call 911,” Selman-Willis said. “It’s better to be safe than sorry.”