San Diego County Sheriff's Department On 'Holiday Watch'

Holiday crooks know you’ve been shopping, so criminals are making their own special plans to grab those gifts as soon as you drop your guard and take your eyes off them.

San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore's "Holiday Watch" is underway so you don’t become a victim during this busy shopping and traveling season. The countywide program runs from the second week of November through Jan. 2, 2013.

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 neighborhood, malls, trolleys, coasters, 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.

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.

RAMONA SUBSTATION (760) 789‐9157

• 11/23 to 12/31 – High‐visibility and bicycle patrols along Main Street businesses
• 11/23 to 12/31 – Senior Volunteer Patrol (SVP) members will conduct extra patrols of main shopping center parking lots and surrounding areas.
• 11/23 to 12/31 – Mounted Volunteer Patrols. Horseback patrols of main shopping center parking lots and surrounding areas.
• 11/23 to 12/31 – Crime Prevention Specialist Barbara Wallace will be publishing holiday safety articles and distributing safety flyers to shoppers.

Taken from a San Diego County Sheriff's Department press release.