Bee staff
The Elk Grove Police Department has announced it is stepping up patrols in all its local shopping centers during the holiday season -- through Dec. 24.
The department said the increased presence "will allow officers to focus on any suspicious activity occurring in and around shopping centers, which historically have experienced a seasonal increase in criminal activity."
Officers will be in marked patrol vehicles, unmarked cars and on foot patrol.
In addition, the department is asking the public to take crime prevention measures, including:
Keeping packages and other valuables in the car trunk and out of sight.
Avoiding carrying large sums of cash.
Paying for purchases with a check or credit card.
Carrying a purse under your arm with the strap across your body.
Putting wallets in an inside pocket of your jacket or front pants pocket.
Staying alert and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Shopping after dark with friends.
Parking in a well-lit area.
Checking the interior of the car before you unlock the door to get in.
Locking your car doors and windows even if you are only gone for a few minutes.









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