Officers put on a demonstration of how easy it is to become a victim of pickpockets.
"You have to pay attention to who's around you, because this is exactly what these offenders are looking for you to have your mind totally somewhere else," said Cmdr. John Graeber, Chicago Police Department.
Police are stepping up patrols in the State Street and Michigan Avenue shopping areas for the next month.
Tactical teams will also be assigned to CTA buses and trains throughout the holiday season.
