Tuesday, March 19, 2024

SLPD Kicks Off Holiday Safety Initiative

2013 Holiday Crime InitiativesAre you ready for the Holidays and the busiest shopping day of the year? The Southlake Police Department is and we have already been hard at work with planning and preparations to make sure that you and your family have a safe and happy shopping experience.

Beginning Friday, November 28th, residents and visitors will notice a stepped up police presence at shopping centers throughout the City of Southlake as we kick off this years Holiday Safety Initiative. The Southlake Police Department will have additional officers patrolling Town Square and other shopping areas to watch for would-be thieves.

The Holiday Safety Initiative will include a combined used of: police motorcycles, patrol officers, bike and foot patrols, DPS Southlake Citizens on Patrol (COP’s), and other volunteers who serve us well as extra eyes and ears for potential criminal activity.  In addition, the mobile Sky Watch Tower will be placed in strategic locations throughout the City to discourage criminals.  Assistant Police Chief James Brandon, who is in charge of overseeing the Holiday Safety Initiative says, “Our goal is to provide a safe environment for our citizens and Holiday shoppers and to be as proactive as possible in reducing crime. Shoppers can assist us in our crime reduction efforts by by being safety conscious and following a few basic safety tips.” One of the main tips includes following the HIDE, LOCK, TAKE guidelines. It’s simple. HIDE your valuables, LOCK your car and TAKE your keys.

Remembering the Hide, Lock, Take rule can mean the difference between a joyous Christmas and a not-so happy one especially during the Holiday season when shoppers are more vulnerable. It is one of the peak times for crime and vehicle break-ins top the list. Burglars and thieves are always on the prowl looking for items to steal especially valuables left in plain sight inside a vehicle. Remember to follow the simple HIDE, LOCK, TAKE guidelines. It will help make you and every  shopper  less of a target.

As part of our Holiday Safety Initiative “The Grinch” will again be making scheduled appearances during the shopping season. (*Watch for those times to be posted on www.facebook.com/SouthlakePublicSafety.) “The Grinch” will be decked out in full costume greeting shoppers at Southlake Town Square and handing out public safety reminders. Not only do kids love getting their picture taken with “The Grinch” but he also serves as a great reminder to “not let a Grinch steal your Christmas!”

The Southlake Police Department wants to remind everyone to report any suspicious activity to the Southlake Police Department. You can call the non-emergency number at 817-743-4522 or 911. Lastly, remember that traffic will be heavy during the holiday season so be prepared to arrive early and drive courteously.  And don’t forget to look for the Hide, Lock, Take signs posted at shopping centers to help serve as a safety reminder and prevent a thief from robbing you of your Holiday spirit. For updates and information follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/SouthlakePublicSafety and Twitter at http://twitter.com/SouthlakeDPS.

We also want to wish everyone a safe and happy holidays!

An image of a family bowling and dining

Photo of a solar eclipse