Preventing Black Friday Crime

With thousands of Tulsa area shoppers looking for a Black Friday deal, that also will likely draw out potential thieves trying to see what they can snatch out of your vehicle while you're inside the store or mall.

The Tulsa Police's online crime map tells a pretty consistent story, no matter where you are in this city, your day could be ruined by criminals.

A look over crime stats from about the last month for Tulsa Hills, Utica Square, Cherry Street, Brookside, 71st and Memorial and near Promenade Mall and found either those shopping centers or neighborhoods very close by had at least four reported larcenies.

Some examples of larceny are shoplifting, pick-pocketing, stealing packages off of porches, or, stealing purses from carts.

So, when you're shopping this holiday season, don't leave valuables in your car, whenever possible, and, whatever you can’t take with you into the store, police say at least keep them out of sight.

Police say, if you can, swing by your home to drop off gifts rather than let them build up in your car because they say criminals are opportunists and you could be their next victim.

Both the Tulsa Police Department and the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office said they will be keeping an extra close eye on popular shopping areas for Black Friday.

The sheriff's office says they are spread thinner because they have to patrol the county as well, but they will be vigilant passing through shopping areas. And their mobile security towers are set up again this year in the Woodland Hills Mall's parking lot.

Police said they are increasing patrols near 71st and Memorial, 41st and Yale and other places.