Staying Safe for the Holidays
Thanksgiving is tomorrow and then comes the much anticipated Black Friday, a day for shoppers and shoplifters. So how can you protect yourself from attacks? Local law enforcement officials have the tips to keep you safe.
When the holidays roll around, law enforcement agencies make cracking down on drunk driving their top priority. This Thanksgiving is no exception. Lieutenant Doug Adams with the Pascagoula Police Department said, “We are not joking. We have a zero tolerance. We’ve been very fortunate the last couple of years. We haven’t had an alcohol related fatality since 2013. We’d like to keep it that way.”
Lt. Adams and the Pascagoula Police Department will be out in full force this week keeping drunk drivers off the streets.
There are other crimes that spike during the holidays, ones you may not have even thought about. Captain Marty Griffin with D’iberville PD said, “Usually during the holidays, we see an increase in shoplifting and vehicle burglaries. They’re just a crime of opportunity.”
As the Promenade Shopping Center continues to expand, the D’iberville Police Department has seen a drastic increase in shoplifting and burglaries.
So, how can you avoid this “crime of opportunity” during your Black Friday shopping? Captain Griffin has a few tips. “Try not to come out with just large bundles of items at one time, especially in the evening hours when it gets dark. Always try to shop with a friend. Have somebody with you. As you leave the store, walking to your vehicle, be aware of what’s around you. Is somebody following? Is somebody hanging around a vehicle near you?”
Thanks to a recent grant, extra officers will be out and about in stores and in the parking lot keeping a watchful eye out for thieves. Griffin says the most important role you can play in stopping crime is if you see something, say something.
Captain Griffin also says if you do see a shoplifter in action this holiday season, do not risk your life by interfering. Gather all the information you can about the suspect and immediately call 9-1-1.
When the holidays roll around, law enforcement agencies make cracking down on drunk driving their top priority. This Thanksgiving is no exception. Lieutenant Doug Adams with the Pascagoula Police Department said, “We are not joking. We have a zero tolerance. We’ve been very fortunate the last couple of years. We haven’t had an alcohol related fatality since 2013. We’d like to keep it that way.”
Lt. Adams and the Pascagoula Police Department will be out in full force this week keeping drunk drivers off the streets.
There are other crimes that spike during the holidays, ones you may not have even thought about. Captain Marty Griffin with D’iberville PD said, “Usually during the holidays, we see an increase in shoplifting and vehicle burglaries. They’re just a crime of opportunity.”
As the Promenade Shopping Center continues to expand, the D’iberville Police Department has seen a drastic increase in shoplifting and burglaries.
So, how can you avoid this “crime of opportunity” during your Black Friday shopping? Captain Griffin has a few tips. “Try not to come out with just large bundles of items at one time, especially in the evening hours when it gets dark. Always try to shop with a friend. Have somebody with you. As you leave the store, walking to your vehicle, be aware of what’s around you. Is somebody following? Is somebody hanging around a vehicle near you?”
Thanks to a recent grant, extra officers will be out and about in stores and in the parking lot keeping a watchful eye out for thieves. Griffin says the most important role you can play in stopping crime is if you see something, say something.
Captain Griffin also says if you do see a shoplifter in action this holiday season, do not risk your life by interfering. Gather all the information you can about the suspect and immediately call 9-1-1.
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