Volunteer group works to keep Black Friday shoppers safe

CLEVELAND - While thousands came out for Black Friday, thieves are also poised to take advantage of distracted shoppers with hundreds in purchased items.

I was out overnight for the rush at Steelyard Commons and talked with a crime-fighting team out in force. They’re trying to prevent the surge in burglaries, so-called “crimes of opportunity,” prevalent this time of the year.

The Guardian Angels Cleveland is a local affiliate of the National Citizens Crime Fighting Patrol, founded in 1979. Today, there are more than 5000 members in 100 cities worldwide.

The Angels, who don’t carry weapons, make their presence known, donning red jackets and berets and a watchful eye. This volunteer group teams up with police at city events and Thursday night they assisted with Black Friday crowds nationwide.

The Angels say their name is less about religion, rather they are humanitarians. And their goal remains this: contributing to the city while looking out for their neighbors all throughout the year.

For more information on the Guardian Angels, visit www.guardianangels.org .