ST. LANDRY PARISH — With holiday shopping underway, Port Barre Police Chief Deon Boudreaux is reminding residents to stay alert — both in the stores and behind the screen.

Boudreaux says thieves are actively watching parking lots this time of year, looking for anything left in plain sight.

“So this vehicle right here… you can see all inside those windows, and there’s a purse sitting right inside,” he said, pointing out how quickly a thief can spot an opportunity.

He says one of the biggest mistakes shoppers make is leaving bags and newly purchased items visible inside their car.

“If you’re shopping, that stuff needs to be taking back home and then you can return back to store,” Boudreaux said.

Shoppers like Andrea Auguillard say they don’t take chances.

“We’re very mindful. We do not

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