It's the season for holiday shopping, but six Connecticut women learned the hard way that it's also the season for stealing.
The women spent Monday at Westfarms Mall and parked in the garage next to Lord & Taylor. They dropped off their bags at their friend's SUV, and realized most of them were gone when they returned to the vehicle after dinner, said Christine Diana. Someone had smashed a window on the passenger side, stealing about $1,000 worth of holiday gifts. "We were in shock," said Diana. "First we saw the glass. It took a while to put two and two together and then we started realizing everything that was missing."
They say mall security failed to notice the crime, and told them they do not have cameras in the parking garage. "This was an unfortunate, isolated incident and we are cooperating fully with the Farmington Police Department's investigation of the matter. The safety and security of our shoppers is always our top priority," said Kevin Keenan, the General Manager of Westfarms, in a statement.
"I think they should step it up for the holidays," said Diana.
To avoid becoming a target, you should place all of your packages in the trunk, said Farmington police. If they don't fit, cover them up in the backseat. Also, make sure you hide your GPS and accessories, said police.
"Another thing they pointed out was that if you do come out and you are bringing packages back to your car, get back in your car and move it to another location," said Katie Buick, who was shopping with the group of women targeted by the thieves.
They're sharing their story, hoping to keep the holiday season crime-free for other shoppers.
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"If I can prevent this from happening to somebody else, it will make me feel a lot better," said Diana.
