GOSHEN &mdash: Goshen police are offering women some advice after the arrest of a man they say was preying on women in local stores.

Travis Rutherford is behind bars facing charges connected to accusations he followed women around stores and took pictures up their skirts using a cell phone. In at least one case police say he even assaulted a woman by touching her inappropriately.

"Most people head to the store and they have so much on their mind they aren't even thinking about predators," said Detective Alan Mackowiak with Goshen Police.

Mackowiak says women need to be very aware of their surroundings. He also says when you are done shopping get into your car and leave the parking lot, don't park next to a van and if someone comes near you make a scene.

"If something does happen, scream, yell — draw attention to yourself," he said.

In the case of Rutherford, Mackowiak says most women were reporting what was happening and that helped police track Rutherford down.

Annie Envall with Sex Offense Services in South Bend says most sexual crimes go unreported. She says reporting can make a big difference.

"It's better to make a report and have it be nothing than to not make a report and then come to find out this happened to several other people," said Envall.

For more information on tips to protect yourself and what to do if you've been a victim go to:

Sex Offense Services of South Bend

Indiana Sheriffs' Sex and Violent Offender Registry