Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputies are stepping up their efforts to help ensure the safety of shoppers during the holiday season through “Operation: Jingle Bells.”

“We’re now in the busiest time of the year for holiday shopping. Our Deputies will be out in force throughout Shelby County. We know that gift-buying also generates a rise in criminal activity. As a result, we want to do all we can to help keep this holiday season as safe as possible,” said Shelby County Sheriff Mark H. Luttrell, Jr.

During the next few weeks, full-time and reserve Deputies will be patrolling the parking lots at shopping centers and retail malls.

The Sheriff’s Office Patrol and Crime Prevention Bureaus offer these tips to help ensure a safe holiday season:

• Leave purses at home or place them in the trunk of your vehicle before you leave
• Be aware of your surroundings while walking to and from your vehicle
• Avoid shopping alone
• Park your vehicle in well lit areas
• Do not count money while standing at an ATM machine or show lots of cash in the check-out line
• Remove cell phones, lap top computers, briefcases and other items inside your vehicle
• Secure packages in the trunk or other part of the vehicle where they cannot be seen
• If a robber wants your wallet or purse, hand it over to prevent possible injury
• Should you be involved in a minor vehicle crash, do not exit the vehicle until a Deputy arrives to prevent a “bump and rob” scheme

Sheriff Luttrell and Deputies involved in the “Operation: Jingle Bells” enforcement effort will be available for interviews throughout the holiday season.

A video about holiday shopping safety may be viewed at the Sheriff’s Office website www.shelby-sheriff.org. Go to “Divisions” then “Crime Prevention” then “Holiday Crime Prevention Tips” to watch the presentation.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW: Holiday Crime Prevention Tips Presentation