Holiday season brings happiness

The holiday season can be the most wonderful time of the year. Unfortunately, it also brings out crooks looking to take advantage of busy and distracted shoppers rushing to find that one special gift.

Sheriff Bill Gore is launching the Holiday Watch program to help keep residents as safe as possible. The countywide program runs from Nov. 25 through Jan. 1, 2012.

“Criminals do not take the holidays off and neither will our deputies,” said Gore.

The Holiday Watch crime fighting initiative consists of enforcement and education.

Residents can expect more patrols in neighborhoods, malls, trolleys, Coaster areas, parking lots, and other “hot spots” for criminals. Undercover operations will support uniformed patrols to enhance effectiveness.

Deputies will also work with San Diego County Probation and State Parole to identify career criminals and repeat offenders who may be in violation of their probation or parole conditions.

If you see any suspicious activity, the Sheriff’s Department communications center is just a phone call away at (858) 565-5200.

At the Fallbrook Sheriff’s substation, crime prevention specialist John McLelland has prepared some helpful suggestions for local residents this holiday season.

Holiday Safety Tips

When Out and About:

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Use your cell phone sparingly in order to not be distracted and stay focused on your surroundings.

• At all times, always lock your car doors and roll your windows up all the way, whether out and about or at home.

• Leave nothing inside of your car in view of others. Do not tempt the thief. If you do not want your purse, wallet, checkbook, iPod, laptop or other valuable or important item stolen, remove it from the inside of your car. If you drive an SUV or mini van, cover your packages so that they are not visible from the outside.

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Use credit cards, debit cards, or checks whenever possible. If you must use cash, carry different amounts in different pockets so as to not expose your entire amount to a potential thief.

• Discourage pick pockets by being extra cautious with your purse and wallet. At the mall, carry your purse close to your side or place your wallet in your front pocket with a rubber band wrapped around it. Remember to never leave your purse or shopping bags unattended in your shopping cart.

• Shop during daylight hours when possible. At night, park close to the building and under a light. Always shop with a friend or two. If necessary, have a mall or store employee escort you to your vehicle.

• Have your key ready as you approach your vehicle. Look under your vehicle, in the back seat and then the front seat. Get in quickly and lock the doors. Start your car and move to a different location to settle your packages and let your engine warm up.

While at home:

• Always keep your windows and exterior doors locked, even when you are there. Never leave your purse, wallet, checkbook, iPod, laptop or any other important items in your vehicle, especially if you park outside of an enclosed garage.

• Never open your door to a stranger.

• Don't put large displays of gifts in front of your windows or doors so that they are visible from the street. After Christmas, cut up and conceal the larger containers that gifts came in to avoid advertising what is now inside your home to a potential burglar later on.

• If you will be gone for any period of time, remember to leave a radio tuned to a talk show radio station at a low volume and place several lamps on overlapping timers to simulate movement inside of your home. Lock all doors and windows before leaving.

• Contact the Sheriff’s Senior Volunteer Patrol to do a (free) vacation check at your house if you don't have someone staying there while you are gone. The key to burglary deterrence is to make your home appear occupied at all times.

If ever you notice anything suspicious or out of place, call the Sheriff’s Dept. communications center at (858) 565-5200 or call 911 if you observe a crime in progress.

Remember, the thieves are out looking for their holiday gatherings, too. Think safety!