NEW BERN, N.C. — As the holiday shopping season reaches its peak, local stores are expected to be bustling with last-minute shoppers. However, New Bern Police Officer Rachaud Russell has shared some crucial advice to help residents protect their holiday purchases from potential thieves.

“Take the gifts or whatever you purchase to your house,” Russell said. “If you cannot do that, put them in your trunk out of view.”

Russell emphasized the importance of keeping items out of plain sight and reminded shoppers to lock their cars and remain vigilant of their surroundings.

For those opting to shop online, Russell warned of the risks posed by cyber thieves.

“They are pretty creative about trying to get your information,” he said. “It looks like a real site; however, it could have misspellings, or the prices will be ridiculously low, like $2 for some new iPads. It doesn’t seem realistic, so again, if it’s too good to be true, it probably is.”

To enhance community safety during this busy period, the New Bern Police Department has deployed a special Holiday Task Force. This team is dedicated to monitoring local businesses, patrolling the area, and responding to calls, ensuring a safer shopping experience for all.