The holiday season brings out shoppers, and criminals hoping to exploit them.

For two decades, the Fresno Police Department, Fresno Sheriff’s Office, and CHP have teamed up to provide an extra layer of security and peace of mind for shoppers at some of the major retail destinations across the city.

“The purpose of that, obviously, is to dissuade would-be criminals from breaking into cars or stealing. We have remarkable success,” Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer said.

Follow These Tips

Even with the annual Christmas Presence effort, police want shoppers to do their part by following these proven practices:

— Park in a well-lit area.

— Don’t leave property visible in the car.

— Don’t place items in your vehicle’s trunk while you’re in the parking lot. The bad guys can see you. Police recommend placing valuables in the trunk before you arrive.