Australian police on Thursday warned last-minute Christmas shoppers to be vigilant, with thieves targeting customers at shopping malls during the festive season.
A four-day police operation focusing on Sydney's Pitt Street Mall in the week leading up to Christmas resulted in 42 people being arrested for theft-related crimes.
The thefts included more than 15,000 Australian dollars (13,240 U.S. dollars) worth of perfume, clothing and electrical goods, as well as two cars valued at around 34,000 Australian dollars (30, 000 U.S. dollars).
New South Wales Police Minister Michael Daley said thefts from individuals and shops were two of the most common crimes at this time of
year.
"Thieves don't wait for Santa to bring presents, they'll just steal yours," he told reporters.
Mums with prams and people with shopping trolleys were particularly easy targets, he said. "If you have a pram or a shopping trolley, don't leave any valuables in it," Daley warned. "Don't leave your handbag in it.
You will reach to grab something off the shelf and when you turn around your handbag will be gone."
In some instances, thieves have been brazen enough to grab entire racks of clothing before throwing them under their arm and running out of the store.