Sheriff's 'Holiday Watch' Campaign Kicks Into Gear

Press Release:

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

Sheriff Bill Gore is launching “Holiday Watch” to keep you safe. The countywide program runs from November 25, 2011 through January 1, 2012. Sheriff Gore says “criminals do not take the holidays off and neither will our deputies.”

This crime fighting initiative consists of enforcement and education. Expect more patrols in your neighborhoods, malls, trolleys, coasters, parking lots, and other hot spots for criminals. Undercover operations will support uniformed patrols to enhance effectiveness.

Spring Valley and other East County areas will also incerased DUI saturation patrols and a DUI checkpoints, beginning Wednesday, Nov. 23 and extending throughout the holidays.

The Sheriff’s Department reminds you to please, “Report Drunk Drivers. Call 911!”

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.

To increase public awareness, Crime Prevention Specialists and Senior Patrol Volunteers (SVP) will hand out flyers. You can also approach them at Mobile Command Posts outside shopping areas. If you see any suspicious activity, the Sheriff’s Department is just a phone call away at (858) 565‐5200.