When: Monday, December 9, 2019, 10 a.m.
Where: Westfield Citrus Park Mall, 8021 Citrus Park Town Center, Tampa, FL 33625
For most shoppers, the holiday season means deep discounts and busy stores, but for law enforcement officers, this time of year comes with increased car break-ins, pickpockets and parking lot robberies. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is increasing its presence at area malls and offering tips to keep shoppers safe.
"It's easy to let your guard down during the holiday season, because most people are so busy they fail to be aware of their surroundings," said Sheriff Chad Chronister.
On Monday, December 9, Sheriff Chronister and members of HCSO will showcase the resources being added at shopping centers this season at Westfield Citrus Park Mall. In addition to increased patrol around busy shopping areas, HCSO has a Bicycle Unit, Motor Unit and Mounted Unit patrolling parking lots in order to more easily move through the crowds. The HCSO Skybox will be on display, which is a mobile watch tower that gives deputies a bird's eye view of the parking lot to better spot vehicular crimes.
The Sheriff's Office has also partnered with a local company to display public service announcements on a moving truck, reminding shoppers to lock their doors and secure their belongings before going into the mall.
“It’s all about opportunity, and if a thief sees an opportunity, they’re going to take it," said Sheriff Chronister. "In addition to having more deputies at shopping malls this season, we want to remind residents how to keep themselves and their purchases safe."
Media outlets will have ample video opportunities with all of the resources on display on Monday, in addition to the chance to tour the inside of the Skybox. Media outlets planning to attend are asked to RSVP by emailing the HCSO Public Affairs Office at piocommandcenter@hcso.tampa.fl.us
A PSA featuring Sheriff Chad Chronister on holiday shopping safety tips can be viewed and downloaded from the HCSO Sheriff YouTube account: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0-XWFDHtLo