The Bakersfield Police Department says back to school shopping can be just like black Friday or Christmas shopping and wants to remind all customers to be on alert to avoid becoming a target.

Officials recommend always keeping your purse and valuables close by while inside the stores, and when to make sure no one follows you out while taking your bags to the car.

Also, put the shopping bags out of sight in the car, preferably in the trunk.

BPD says the easiest thing you can do to avoid becoming a victim of a crime is to always lock your car doors and if you see something suspicious, report it to police immediately.