PHOENIX -- The Phoenix Police Department is teaming up with a major Valley mall to spread the word on how to protect your property in an area of Phoenix that officers say is a breeding ground for crimes of opportunity.

The crime prevention program targets a section of north Phoenix in and around the Desert Ridge Marketplace from 40th Street to Scottsdale Road and from Pinnacle Peak to Bell Road.

Thousands of Valley shoppers aren’t playing it safe when they run into their favorite store, police said. Shoppers are leaving their doors unlocked in the parking lot, or place purses and cell phones in plain view, making them prime targets for criminals looking for easy victims.

The Phoenix Police Department is teaming up with the Desert Ridge Marketplace to spread the word on what people can do to protect their property in an effort to cut down on these crimes of opportunity, said Commander Geary Brase.

Officers have distributed crime prevention posters all over Desert Ridge that remind shoppers what can happen when they leave valuables in their car or keep their garage door open.

"What we are trying to do is get people raise their level of awareness," Brase said. "Pay attention, notice leaving doors unlocked, garage door open. Get them to close it. Get them to lock it."

The latest crime statistics show neighborhoods around Desert Ridge are hot spots for burglaries and break-ins.

Phoenix police officers said they hope by creating more awareness, it will force thieves, to start shopping for crime some place else.