CANTON (WWJ) -- Just ahead of Christmas, police are warning the public about a statewide crime spree targeting holiday shoppers — and they're offering tips to avoid becoming a victim.
Canton Police say the suspects will wait in the parking lot of stores, and when shoppers go inside, they'll break into their cars and steal shopping bags, purses and other valuables.
Police said this is happened in multiple communities in Metro Detroit, and all across the state of Michigan.
Looking at specific cases, Canton Police said the most recent instance in that city was Friday at Rose's restaurant, near the corner of Cherry Hill and Canton Center. The thieves smashed through the window of a car, stole a woman's purse and used her credit card to make $4,000 worth of purchases.
It's unclear how many suspects, or different groups, could be behind these crimes, as the statewide search for the perpetrators continues.
In the meantime, police are advising holiday shoppers to always lock their cars, never leave shopping bags inside your car, and don't leave your purse or wallet unattended in your shopping cart.
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