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More security for holiday shopping season

Page Last Updated: Saturday November 28, 2009 10:03pm PST

Calli Fisher-News 4

The holiday shopping season is full swing. With all the hustle and bustle, it can be easy to let your guard down and become a target for crime and identity theft.

Reno Police Sgt. Mark Katre says crimes like robbery and theft tend to increase during the holidays, but so far, police officers have not seen that trend. Katre says it's still early.

"There are more people out. There's more traffic. There are more items being purchased at this time of the year because of the season, so that lends itself to more opportunity," Katre said.

The Reno Police Department and local malls are beefing up security for the next couple of weeks.

Katre says police will target different shopping centers, big and small, around town throughout the shopping season. Officers will be patrolling on foot and in their vehicles.

Larry Hunt, the property manager for the Summit in South Reno, says they have increased security as well. You can see the officers riding around the mall in cars and Segways.

"They are close to customers so customers can find them if they ever need them or if they have questions," Hunt said. "We try to be there for them."

Police and mall officials say there are simple things you can do to keep yourself safe during the holiday shopping season.

Here is a list of safety tips from the Summit to help you avoid being a target of crime:

Travel and conduct your business during daylight hours. Lock doors and
windows when getting into your car and keep them locked while driving.
Be careful when parking. Roll up the windows, lock the vehicle, take the
keys and conceal valuables, preferably in the trunk. During hours of
darkness, park and walk in lighted areas whenever possible.
Be smart when returning to your vehicle. Carry your keys in your hand and
be ready to unlock the door and enter as quickly as possible. As you
approach your vehicle, scan the area, glance underneath the vehicle, and
take a quick look inside before entering.
Shop with friends or relatives if possible and remember there is safety in
numbers. As you shop, be alert in crowded places. Pickpockets target victims
in revolving doors, jammed aisles and elevators.
Always be alert. Wear conservative, comfortable clothing. Carry items firmly
and avoid leaving them unattended. Carry minimal cash and valuables, and
wear minimal jewelry.
Keep a close eye on your children while shopping. Teach your children to go
to a store clerk or security guard if they ever get separated from you in a
store, and be sure they know their first and last name so they can tell
someone who they are.
Use debit or credit cards, they are much safer than carrying cash. Thieves
target people they see are carrying cash, plus it cannot be replaced. In
the case that a debit or credit card is stolen, report it immediately to the
police and to the card carrier.
If anyone is loitering, go to another ATM. Stand so that those behind you
cannot see your PIN as you enter it; your PIN should NEVER be written down
on or carried with your ATM card.
Take the shuttle. The Summit offers guests free shuttle service during
hours of operation.
Ask for a security escort. The Summit Security Office is open 24-hours per
day. If you feel that you are in danger, ask an employee or representative
to request a security escort.