DALLAS — The Prosper Police Department announced its annual Holiday Crime Task Force.
In a post on X, the department called it a collaborative effort with Little Elm, McKinney, Collin and Plano police departments.
The task force was created to "deter, prevent and apprehend shoplifters and thieves during the holiday season."
While the holidays are an exciting time, it's also busy with trips to the banks, shopping centers and other public events. Officer Jennifer Chapman, PIO for Plano PD, says this time is also one of "opportunity" for criminals.
Police see an uptick of jugging, smash-and-grabs and robberies this time of year.
Lance Davis was shopping at North Park mall in Dallas earlier this year when he became a victim. He'd just bought an expensive gift for his wife, put the shopping bags in his car and continued shopping.
Davis said he walked into a store and quickly received a notification that his car alarm was going off. He walked outside to find thieves have smashed his windows.
"They knew exactly where in the the back of my car where the bag was," Davis said. "They watched me put it in my car."
David said he is a jugging victim. He believes the thieves had been watching him from afar in the North Park parking garage.
WFAA has reported on these types of crimes more frequently.
Officer Chapman said they are "getting more violent throughout the metroplex." She said the crimes vary between random acts of crime and organized operations.
Sharing holiday shopping safety tips, Officer Chapman said never to leave purses, bags, gifts, or anything of value in your car. While it can be a haul or inconvenient, it is safer to bring your items with you, or take it home.
Additionally, Officer Chapman said to say something if you see or feel anything suspicious.
"If you are in an area where you feel like you are getting followed, go to a police station. Call 911," Officer Chapman said. "Do anything to make yourself and your property safe."
Davis filed a police report and submitted video evidence recorded from his car of the thieves and the car they were driving. Davis said police have still not been able to find those responsible for the crime.
Davis said he spoke to a mall employee who called his situation "common."
Moving forward, Davis said he will be more careful while shopping, calling anyone a potential target.
"[The thieves] could have just as easily walked up to us in the parking garage and robbed us at gunpoint," said Davis.