By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – The Alabaster Police Department is upping its presence at one of Shelby County’s largest shopping centers over the next several weeks as shoppers descend on the area to complete their Christmas shopping.

The department began stationing additional officers at the Propst Promenade and South Promenade shopping centers on Thanksgiving Day, and will continue to do so throughout the holiday shopping season, according to the APD.

“We will have additional officers patrolling the Promenade beginning today and continuing through the holiday shopping season,” read a Nov. 23 post on the department’s Facebook page. “There will be uniformed and plainclothes officers on foot inside the stores and in vehicles patrolling the area to help deter crime and provide assistance. We hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season.”

The department issued the following tips for those who are out shopping during the pre-Christmas season.

–Do not leave packages visible in your car windows.
–Keep all purses and bags zipped and snapped closed.
-Do not flash large amounts of cash when paying for merchandise.
–Do not leave purses, bags, cell phones or any other high dollar items in plain view in your vehicle.
–Make sure to always lock your vehicle and make sure the windows are up when unattended. The number of thefts from locked vehicles in our area is extremely low.
–Stay alert and be aware of what’s going on around you.
–If shopping with kids, have a plan in case you get separated. For the older children, have a central meeting spot designated. For the younger children, teach them to go to a store clerk or police officer if you get separated. Be sure they know your name (not just mommy and daddy), cell phone number and their address. Go over the dangers of strangers with them so they know who not to talk to or follow.
–Double check that you have your credit cards and checkbook after you pay for your items.