The holiday season is prime time for pickpockets, and Chicago Police are warning about the risks of scams during holiday shopping.
Police say there are several things you can do to keep your valuables safe.
"Make eye contact with the people around you," said Lieutenant Steve Sesso. "If you are going to steal my wallet and I look you in the eye, chances are, 'He looked at me. I don't want to deal with this guy, I'll go deal with the next guy."
Police are telling shoppers to be wary of scammers posing as shoppers who might drop their keys or fake an injury.
"They do this all the time," said Sergeant Michael Jones.
They advise shoppers to be aware of their surroundings, avoid wearing headphones, not focus on their phones and keep a close grip on purses and backpacks.
"When I am shopping downtown, I usually don't take a purse with me," said shopper Angela Odoms.
Local
Some of the best advice is the simplest, police said, like keeping your wallet in your front pocket instead of your back pocket.
"That's why I am taking my cash and putting it in my sock," said shopper Phillip Gilbert.
