'Not in Puyallup' Campaign: Police on the prowl for thieves to keep shoppers safe



PUYALLUP, Wash. -- Police say car prowls always rise during the holidays, so officers will be searching crowded shopping center parking lots for thieves and educating shoppers at the same time.

Police will peek into cars in search of valuables, and then grade shoppers by leaving a report card on their windshield.

Over the next month, police hope to curb  the persistent problem of car prowls in their "Not In Puyallup" campaign.

Sgt. Dan Pashon said, "While they’re shopping on the inside, the criminals can be out here shopping on the outside looking through the cars and looking for items to steal."

Shoppers we spoke with have been victims of car prowls in the past.

Michaela Rogers had her baby's diaper bag stolen once.

Rogers said, "It just makes you so mad and violated that people will come in and take things from you and you can’t do anything about it."

Police say there is something you can do. Don't leave anything of value in your car. It only takes a few seconds for a thief to smash your window and take what's inside.

Officers also advise shoppers to call 911 if they see anyone acting suspiciously in parking lots.