(11/24/06) NORWALK ? The sun wasn?t even up yet, but shoppers were bright-eyed and bushy-tailed to cash in on Black Friday sales throughout southwestern Connecticut.

While some stores opened as early as 5 a.m., others tried to beat their opposition to the punch by opening at midnight or on Thanksgiving itself. Shoppers say they researched sales and items early in anticipation of saving big bucks.

Amid the shopping frenzy, law enforcement officials are warning residents to be careful while bargain hunting. They say crooks often use the big crowds to snatch bags or commit other crimes. Police urge all shoppers to keep their bags close and constantly be aware of their surroundings while out and about.

Related information: Police warn southwestern CT shoppers about Black Friday bandits