Some Black Friday, holiday shopping safety tips

MISHAWAKA, Ind. --- Black Friday kicks off the holiday shopping season, but also the season where many people become victims of theft.

Crimestoppers shared a few safety tips for Black Friday and holiday shopping which include:

1.      Try to avoid distractions,

2.      Try to park in well lit areas close to where you’ll be shopping,

3.      Don’t make it easy for thieves.

A national insurance company reports the number of thefts on Black Friday are 28 percent higher than any other day across the U.S. Several Mishawaka Police patrol cars were parked outside of Walmart near Main Street in Mishawaka on Thursday night.

“You never know when something’s going to happen,” said Diane Reid, an early Black Friday shopper. “Usually I’m with my son or daughter in law and my other daughter we all meet up somewhere so we’re in a group.”