Police strive for safe holiday season

It's not unusual to see a spike in crime during the holiday season. With Black Friday fast approaching, local authorities want to make sure you have a safe holiday season, especially when you're shopping.

"Certainly the holiday season is a big time for us. Friday is the big kickoff, we expect between 50,000 to 60,000 customers on Friday," said Tim Nolan, General Manager of Colonial Bel-Air Mall.

It's an exciting time of year. That's why the city of Mobile is trying to make sure criminals don't steal your spirit.

"All of the areas will be covered by beefed security for the safety of the citizens of Mobile while shopping," said Interim Police Chief Lester Hargrove.

The city is working with retailers to kick off the Safe Shopping Initiative at all major shopping areas throughout the city. The police department set up a command center at Bel-Air Mall. Shoppers will see a strong police presence with officers patroling on mounted horses, segways, and motorcycles.

Police are monitoring the mall from every possible angle. There are cameras which give police a bird's eye view of the shoppers. Police want to send a message to the shoppers and the criminals.

"We just want people to feel comfortable that we're doing everything we can to make sure they don't encounter the criminal element when they come out to shop. We also want criminals to know if they come to the mall with any intent of breaking in, coming to rob people or anything of that nature, we'll be here in numbers to make sure we can handle that and get them off the street," said Mayor Sam Jones.

Alesia Sprouse said the increased security makes her feel more comfortable, but she said it's also important for her to take her own safety measures.

"I try to keep my purse close to me as possible and keep my son close at all times. When I am shopping with bags I like to drop them off in the trunk of the car so I'm not carrying a lot at one time. Don't carry a lot of cash," she added.

Here are a few tips for holiday shopping that may help:

• Shop with friends or relatives.
• Lock your car doors.
• Don't leave packages and bags visible in your car.
• Keep your keys in your hand when walking to your vehicle.