 Thankfully, it's November and Appalachian Wireless is offering the Samsung GS8 or the GS8 Plus for $100 off the regular price with two-year agreement. Better service, bigger savings. That's today's Appalachian Wireless, an East Kentucky network company. This past weekend was the official kickoff for the Christmas shopping season and thousands of shoppers throughout the region took advantage of weekend specials. But as the shopping season gets underway, so does the season for thefts. On Saturday, the Coal Run Police Department arrested one of the country's most famous thieves, the Grinch himself. What we're trying to do is to get awareness out about how to protect yourself best from being a victim of theft during the holidays. Mayor Andrew Scott says Coal Run police officers will be more visible in shopping areas between now and Christmas, but consumers can help by not tempting would-be thieves. When you go back to put things in your car, you want to try to cover it up. I mean, don't leave it to where people can walk by and see it there because, you know, this is a time of year where thefts spike throughout the United States. Women are encouraged to wear their purses around their neck and shoulder and men should carry their wallets in their front pockets. And before you walk into the parking lot, go ahead and have your car keys out in your hand so you can load your items quickly. Many retail locations will have lost prevention officers in plain clothes throughout the stores to help deter shoplifters because, ultimately, less theft equals lower prices. It affects everyone. When businesses have to suffer the losses and eat the losses that occur due to theft during the holidays or any other time of year for that matter, then they have to pass that on to the consumer. Police departments throughout the region will also be increasing patrols and encouraging everyone to not get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping that they forget to pay attention to their surroundings. In Colrun Village, I'm Shannon Deskins, EKB News.