By Emily Wood
 
December 1, 2008
 
GRANTS PASS, Ore. -- Grants Pass police are investigating a crime ring involving online gift cards.
 
Police say multiple houses were searched last week on 5th Street in Grants Pass. Two search warrants were granted for houses in the area, but no arrests have been made. They say the fake gift cards have been purchased online and people have tried to use them at a variety of businesses in Jackson and Josephine counties.
 
Anyone with information is urged to call the Grants Pass Department of Public Safety.
 
Meanwhile, police are warning people to watch out for possible thefts while shopping during the holiday season. They says theft is the number one crime during this time of year.
 
"There's certainly an increase in the number of thefts of wallets and handbags, and car thefts as well," says Dennis Ward with the Grants Pass Department of Public Safety.
 
"You have to be more alert right now, because you have so many more people in your store. Just watch them, keep your eye...They don't care. Go and visit with them, small talk with them, see what they're there for," says The Music Shop Owner Pearl Jones.
 
720 Antiques on H Street just recently installed a security system and video surveillance after a cash box was stolen last month. The owner says there is only so much that can be done to stop a criminal
 
"You can't lock up everything...Things tend to sell frankly better when they're out of a case," says 720 Antiques Co-owner Nadine Downham.
 
Police say when shopping, keep all personal belongings as close to your body as possible. Do not leave items visible in your car, and if possible, lock everything in the trunk.