Moose Jaw residents has begun their holiday shopping as Christmas is exactly one month away.  

Over the next few weeks, shoppers will jump from store to store picking out those perfect Christmas gifts.  

While people are in the stores, they may leave those gifts unattended in their vehicles and in plain sight, which may persuade some grinchy criminals around town to break in and steal those presents.  

The Moose Jaw Police Service has some ways to avoid the grinch stealing Christmas.  

“If you have to leave presents in your vehicle, it’s important to lock your windows or doors,” Constable, Jayme Hoffman with the MJPS. “Another idea would be to put the present in your trunk or a hidden space in your vehicle and make sure your trunk is locked.” 

Constable Hoffman adds that if you have tinted rear windows, it may be a good idea to keep those presents in the backseat to prevent them from being spotted.  

She also says that where you decide to park is key in eliminating the risk of gifts going missing this holiday.  

“Park near high-traffic areas or places with cameras to try and deter that behaviour. If possible, making a trip home to drop off the said presents wouldn’t be a bad idea. If they are out of sight, they will be out of mind.” 

If your vehicle is broken into and presents are stolen, Constable says to call the MJPS immediately at 306-694-7600 or Moose Jaw Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.