KINGSTON, Jamaica – The police in a news release Wednesday issued several tips to back-to-school shoppers, in what they say is an attempt to reduce the opportunity for robberies and other forms of larceny.

The police are advising back-to-school shoppers to do the following:

1. Purchase items before the final days of back-to-school shopping to avoid the congestion and opportunity of larceny.

2. Purchase textbooks from authorised establishments.

The police say unscrupulous people are producing parts of textbooks that do not meet the requirements of the Bureau of Standards and in some cases pages are missing from these books.

3. Avoid being lured into areas away from crowds on the pretext of receiving a bargain/reduced price for textbooks. The police say, in most cases, this is to facilitate the robbery of shoppers.

4. Keep items such as wallets, cash and jewellery out of sight when in public. For example, place wallets and cellular phones in front pockets.

5. Store items in car trunks and avoid leaving them on the seat of motor vehicles.

6. Be aware of loud commotions that may be a staged distraction that allow pickpockets to operate.

7. When carrying a purse, ensure it has a strong strap and keep it in front of you at all times.

8. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash on your person.

9. Ensure that credit and debit cards are swiped in your presence to avoid them being copied.

10. When using an ATM, choose a location that is in a busy public place.

11. Keep your phone out of sight. Place it in your pocket and handbag when not in use.

12. Look out for pickpockets at places that are normally crowded, for example, bus stops and fast-food establishments.