Expert Advice: Lafayette Police Prepares For Post-Thanksgiving Rush, They Will Be Watching

While plenty of people like to shop via their phones or other devices, thousands will be heading out for shopping when Thanksgiving is over, and officials with the Lafayette Police Department want everyone to know they will be part of the crowd. Sergeant Robin Green, spokeswoman for the Lafayette Police Department, says these officers won't be shopping, but they will be paying attention to what "shoppers" are doing.

Traffic will likely be pretty heavy Friday through the end of the weekend as people will be out looking for steep discounts as they are preparing for Christmas. Green says officers have coordinated with businesses throughout the community and officers will be actively patrolling shopping areas throughout Lafayette.

Green says they are ready to respond to any and all incidents, and to deter criminals from taking advantage or shoppers and business owners alike. The whole goal is to keep everyone safe.

Green says they have advice for shoppers, and they hope they will follow these practices:

• Report any suspicious activity to the police right away.
• If you have something valuable either on your person or in your vehicle, keep it out of sight.
• Pay attention to your surroundings so that you know what people around you are always doing.
• Do your best to park in well-lit areas.

It's not always possible, but if you can shop with someone, it can help you stay alert to what is happening around you as two people are now paying attention to the things around you.