SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Shoppers aren't the only ones hitting the malls over the holidays: Opportunists lurk too, looking to steal perhaps a purse or package.

At Arden Fair Mall, KCRA 3 found a purse and packages under the watchful eye of a preschooler, who was wandering around while the mother, Marisela Guevas, was waiting for food she ordered.

"It was not a good idea at all," Guevas admitted.

Elsewhere in the mall's food court, two young children were all that stood guard over a purse and package.

KCRA 3 obtained crime statistics for Arden Fair Mall, Downtown Plaza and the Galleria at Roseville; the statistics covered the six-month period from April to September 2008.

Roseville Galleria reported 192 crimes. Arden Fair reported 122 crimes. Downtown Plaza reported 119 crimes.

Most incidents at all three malls were shoplifting. But there were also robberies, car break-ins, assaults and auto theft.

"Some people tend to be victims because they look like prospective victims," said Steve Reed, head of security at Arden Fair.

He said crime at Arden Fair is down 30 percent from last year because of 130 new security cameras, Segway patrols and license plate readers.

Reed hired off-duty Sacramento police officers to help out during the holidays, but he also encouraged shoppers to be on guard.

"Probably two-thirds of any incidents we have are on the exterior of the mall," Reed said.

Crooks like to window-shop too, so keep purses and wallets with you, and put packages in the truck. And don't forget to lock your car.

"Be smart and be aware of your surroundings, that's the biggest thing. Be aware of your surroundings," Reed said.

Downtown Plaza did not return phone calls about mall security; the Galleria at Roseville said it does not talk publicly about security measures.