More Cops On Holiday Patrol For The Christmas Shopping Season

HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS — Harris County Pct. 4 Constable Mark Herman and Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez have teamed up again this year for their 2018 Holiday Patrol Initiative.

During the patrol initiative, deputy constables and sheriff’s deputies will be more visible with added patrols on the streets within the communities, as well as retail shopping areas to better protect our citizens.

Crime trends in past years indicate an increase in property crimes during this time period. Deputies will be handing out crime prevention materials to citizens in retail areas, as well as, distributing burglary to motor vehicle report cards on vehicles.

Holiday Safety Tips:

• If shopping, shop in groups, safety in numbers.
• Walk with a purpose and be aware of your surroundings.
• When walking to your vehicle, have your keys in your hand and scan the interior of your vehicle before entering.
• If you are alone, and feel uncomfortable about walking to your vehicle, request that store security escort you to your vehicle.
• Try to avoid carrying a purse, and if you do keep it close to your body. Should someone grab your purse do not resist, your safety is worth more than the contents of the purse.
• Do not leave valuables and packages in open view inside your vehicle. This is an invitation for thieves.

“By putting more law enforcement boots on the ground, we will be able to take a proactive approach in fighting crime. Deputies will be distributing crime prevention materials to citizens and seeking out the criminal element to protect our communities,” Herman said.

(For more news and information like this, subscribe to Patch for free. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here.)

Image: Harris County Sheriff's Office

Send your news tips and story ideas to bryan.kirk@patch.com