Miami-Dade police launch annual holiday crime crackdown
MIAMI - It's that time of year. With Thanksgiving less than a week away, the holiday shopping is about to kick into high gear.
With an increase in shoppers hitting the mall, there's also an increase in crimes of opportunity. Miami-Dade police want all residents and visitors to be proactive in their own safety this holiday season. And they will be there to help.
On Friday, Miami-Dade Police Director Stephanie V. Daniels kicked off the department's annual crime initiative at Dadeland Mall.
"We want to make sure that everyone out there is safe and will not become the victim of a robbery which can be very easy at the malls. We just want to make sure everyone will stay safe and stay alert," she said.
During the holidays, uniformed and non-uniformed police officers will conduct surveillance and have high-visibility patrols throughout the county. There will also be an increased focus in and around major malls, shopping centers, and other areas that get increased traffic during the holiday season.
"We want everyone to know we are more visible and we are not going to make it easy for criminals and we hope everyone will be alert," said Daniels.
The department will also highlight crime prevention tips and campaigns such as "Lock It or Lose It" and "See Something, Say Something" both in person and online.
Daniels stressed at this time of year, people should not let their guard down.
Daniels told CBS News MIami's Peter D'Oench, "They know we are out there and criminals know that we are watching. The message is that we are going to do our best to make sure that you are not preying on victims and f you do something we are going to take you to jail."
CBS News Miami also went on a "ride-a-long" with Miami-Dade Police officer Andres Del Gado as he drove around the Dadeland Mall, showing us how he would be vigilant while on patrol.
Shoppers should be aware of their surroundings, park in well-lit areas, remember to "lock it or lose it," avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and not leave gifts or valuables visible in vehicles.
Miami-Dade's Chief of Public Safety said "People should stay alert, be aware of their surroundings and keep their purses close to them and avoid carrying large amounts of cash and park in well-lit areas and never keep your purses, wallets and packages unattended."
Shoppers are paying attention.
CBS News Miami also spoke with Trisha Ramirez, who said as she stopped at the Dadeland Mall, "Be aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye out in front, in back, whichever way you go. And make sure you protect everything you have."