Dallas Police Working Overtime To Protect Holiday Shoppers

DALLAS (1080 KRLD) - The Dallas Police Department is using funds from its overtime budget to make sure officers are on patrol near shopping centers, entertainment districts and other areas that see an increase in traffic during the holiday shopping season.

Their goal is to prevent the increase in robberies and car burglaries from crooks trying to steal holiday packages.

"In our shopping malls and in various residential areas where we've seen a pattern of crime that takes place at this time is where we will be deploying our proactive strategies," Police Chief Renee Hall said, "making sure that those areas are covered and that any other areas that come up as a challenge or problematic location during that time we allocate the necessary resources to that location utilizing overtime."

The crime-prevention effort will involve officers from all of the department's patrol units, along with specialized units such as bicycle officers and the helicopter unit.

Police are also urging holiday shoppers to take steps to reduce their risk of being a target for criminals. "Your item that you purchase over the holidays - don't leave it visible where somebody can see it," said Assistant police Chief Lonzo Anderson. "Take it inside your residents or put it in your trunk at the time."

Police are also urging shoppers to park in well-lighted areas, keep their car doors locked and to never leave their car unoccupied with the motor running.