dollars of luxury purses. we're seeing similar types of theft in cities such as san francisco and san jose. one expert has this advice for shoppers who are out for those black friday sales -- you're a holiday shopper in california. how concerned should you be about this? >> i think people need to keep their wits about them. don't flash cash, keep your purse in two hands or close to your body under your coat. >> reporter: law enforcement officials say california is home to three of the top ten cities for retail theft. and we don't know why it's happening here. and now some are pointing to legislation that downgrades the penalty for this kind of crime. others are pointing to copy cat attacks and the internet. many of these goods, it should be noted, go on line and end up being for sale on fringe websites. >> erin mclaughlin in los angeles, thank you so very much.