DETROIT – Thousands of people flooded Detroit's Eastern Market on Sunday during the Detroit Lions game to get a jump on holiday shopping.
Many shoppers plan to be back Thursday for the Lions' game and the Thanksgiving Parade, and car thieves are waiting. That's why new action is being taken to ensure safety in the Eastern Market area.
It's the place to be in Detroit on the weekend. However, this past Saturday and Sunday car thieves moved in. They hit vehicles parked on the road, stealing cellphones and GPS devices.
But even though some thieves caused problems, others knew the area is not what it used to be.
Eastern Market boasts big security upgrades
New security cameras, lights and security officers are on patrol.
Chet Szuber has been selling Christmas at the market for decades. He said the upgrades do not go unnoticed.
"They've got security cameras everywhere. They've got their private police here. They know who the trouble makers are. They don't set foot on the property," Szuber said.
There have been many upgrades to Eastern Market, but the security upgrades may be the most important.
"I am very proud of how Eastern Market Corporation has taken this over and managed it," said Szuber. "It is superb."
Still, whenever there are big crowds there are bound to be some trouble makers. That's why Martha Rucker keeps her car secure whenever she makes her way over to Eastern Market.
"We keep it locked. We have locks on the wheels and everything you can think of to keep safe," she said.
Thursday will be one of the market's busiest days. Tens of thousands of people are expected to be in the area while the Lions play their annual Thanksgiving Day game.
The most important thing to remember is to lock your vehicle and park in a well-lit area.
-- Eastern Market, Detroit