Grinchbusters Warn of Holiday Crime
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – In an annual ritual, a phalanx of Miami-Dade police rolled out "Operation Grinchbusters" Monday at Dadeland Mall in Kendall.
With holiday joy also come jerks, looking to steal from you.
"There are many perpetrators seeking to commit crimes, sometimes violent in nature, and most of the time property crimes," said Miami-Dade Police Director Juan Perez at a news conference at the mall.
On display at the event was an armored assault vehicle. In a sign of the times, special response teams will rotate in the vehicles among malls – crowded with shoppers who can be soft targets for terrorists.
"If you see something, no matter how minimal you believe it is, please report it," said Miami-Dade Police Lt. Maggie Varela.
Police say rule number one in protecting your property is "lock it or lose it."
Lock your car and put packages in the trunk out of sight. As you're dealing with items in the trunk keep an eye out around you. Be aware as you unlock your car, a distracted person could be an easy target for a carjacking.
Remember, police say, that light is your friend.
"Make sure you park in an area that is well lit. Do not park in areas that are dark," said Perez.
Patrolling Dadeland's parking lot, Officer Javier Aluart warned those buying big ticket items, an expensive ring, a diamond necklace, to keep an eye on the rear view mirror on the way home. Someone may have watched you expensive purchase and be following you.
"If they think they're being followed at any time, they need to call police immediately," Officer. Aluart said. "Do not go home."
Women who carry their purses dangling in their hands are inviting a purse snatching. A purse strap should go over your shoulder, police say, and a tight grip should be kept on the bag, held close to the body.
The most important thing to remember is to be aware of your surroundings at all times, police say, in the mall, in the parking lots, between your car and house.
The moment you let your guard down is when the thief will strike.
