Florissant Police Beef Up Patrols for Holiday Shoppers

Although several shoppers have gift cards, toys and other presents on their brain, the has customers’ safety on theirs.

The department announced late last month that it would add two additional officers to patrol shopping center parking lots throughout the area.

The officers will patrol the centers’ parking lots in marked police units.

Public Information Officer Kevin Boschert said the department has stepped up patrols in shopping centers for the past 15 years.

“With the increase of traffic and shoppers, the department takes a proactive approach by being more visible in the shopping districts,” Boschert wrote in an email.

In a press release, Police Chief William Karabas cautions shoppers to keep some safety tips in mind for the holiday season, including:

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• When parking your car in the lot, make sure to look around for suspicious activity or people.
• Keep all of your valuables out of sight in your vehicle, and make sure to keep them and your vehicle locked.
• When you walk to you car, keep your keys in your hand and the panic button ready—if you have one.
• If you see someone or something suspicious around the stores, call the store security or the police department.
• Also, when you’re walking to your car, make sure to look around for anyone who may be watching you.
• Have a cellphone handy to call 911 in an emergency situation
• If you’re paying with cash, separate it so it’s not all in one place or area.
• For women, make sure to guard your purse and keep it close to you. Never leave it in a shopping cart.