Last minute shoppers head to RGV Premium Outlets for gifts

MERCEDES, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Just two days before Christmas, the Rio Grande Valley Premium Outlets was filled with last-minute shoppers looking for gifts.

McAllen resident Fernando De La Garza said he was buying gifts for his son, daughter, wife and mother-in-law.

The Mercedes Police Department said people should be cautious when leaving the stores with shopping bags.

"Sometimes people will be walking around looking in your vehicle and notice that you have shopping bags in your backseat," Lieutenant Joe Macias said. "So avoid having contents visible to the public...and if you're going to put them in the trunk or put them somewhere where it's secure, make sure nobody's looking at you when storing them."

Macias said Mercedes police increases patrol around the Premium Outlets during this time of year when foot traffic is high.

Last-minute holiday shoppers will still have a chance to visit stores on Christmas Eve, as the Premium Outlets and La Plaza Mall will be open.