Police out in force during holiday season

Dec. 5, 2016 – Oak Park Police are stepping up patrols in cars, on foot and on bicycles through New Year’s Day to combat crimes that traditionally rise during the holiday season.

The high-visibility initiative is intended to deter robberies, shoplifting, thefts and other crimes that tend to increase between Thanksgiving and the new year – especially in shopping districts and on major streets.

Officers also will be on foot at public transit stations and on the road looking for impaired, unbuckled and distracted drivers.

“The purpose of this high-visibility initiative is to reduce the crimes of opportunity that unfortunately become more common during the holiday season when people are distracted and perhaps not as aware of their surroundings,” said Oak Park Police Chief Anthony Ambrose.

“By having officers on foot and patrolling the streets where criminals are mostly likely to look for opportunity, we will be sending a message that we are on the lookout for the grinches that prey on the innocent who are in the spirit of the season.”

Ambrose said with many of the seasonal crimes, the victim may never encounter the perpetrator. For example, thieves look for bags and purses hanging on restaurant chair backs, left in shopping carts, sitting unattended or simply set down while the owner answers a telephone or is otherwise distracted.

Thieves also look for packages left by delivery services, Ambrose said. That’s why police recommend making arrangements with friends, family or neighbors so that packages will not be left out where thieves can get them.

On the streets, police will be looking for impaired and unbuckled motorists, as well as distracted drivers using cells phones without a hand-free device.

Police also are encouraging residents to be vigilant as they shop this holiday season and consider these simple tips:

• Stay alert, especially when carrying packages or walking on a parking lot or in a garage.
• When driving, keep doors locked and use hands free devices for calls.
• If you have access to a cell phone, take it with you and have it accessible.
• Park in a well-lighted parking space, and select an area where there are other cars and foot traffic.
• Don’t leave cell phones, purses or other valuables in a parked car – hide them from view if you must leave them behind.
• When possible, travel to and from your car with a group or in pairs.
• Avoid carrying too many packages, and leave one hand free to access keys or a phone quickly.
• Beware of strangers approaching you unsolicited. If you feel uncomfortable, walk in another direction. If possible, walk back toward the store or toward another person.
• When loading packages into the car, use the trunk instead of the back seat, or make an extra trip home in between shopping trips to unload packages.
• At home, always remove valuables from sight, close and lock all doors and windows.

For more information on policing in the community, email police@oak-park.us or visit www.oak-park.us/police.