LAPD addresses increased robbery, theft of electronic devices

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (FOX 11 / CNS) - Tis the season -- for street robberies. It's an unfortunate side-effect of our busy lives that we get distracted by our devices.

Unfortunately- that makes us easy prey for crooks. On Wednesday, a group of LAPD officers gave tips on how not to become a victim.

LAPD Deputy Chief Phillip Tingirides presided over a multi-agency news conference to advise people on how to avoid being victimized by "distraction crimes'' committed by suspects who steal their electronic devices.

Such crimes have occurred while people are walking near schools and also on buses and commuter trains. The LAPD's advice is simply -- be aware of your surroundings and put down your smartphone.