By DREW GARDNER
6 News Reporter
KNOXVILLE (WATE) - The holiday season
always brings out big crowds of shoppers and big sales, but with the good comes
the bad. There's also more shoplifting and thefts.
That loss in sales can sometimes be
detrimental for some small businesses.
"Most of them rely on
the holiday season for being the time they either make or break," said Knox
County Mayor Tim Burchett. "When you have some dirt bag that comes in and steals
from them, it just ruins the whole thing."
In 2011, the Knox
County Sheriff's Office launched its first ever Safer Holidays Task Force to
help combat those criminals.
It made 125 arrests and recovered nearly $60,000 in
stolen property. The idea behind the task force is to not waste time writing
tickets, but instead make immediate arrests.
"Beware," said Chief
Deputy Eddie Biggs. "We'll give them a chance not to come. If they come still, we
will try to catch them."
While more officers
and patrols will be out looking for thieves, law enforcement warns shoppers to
take precautions themselves.
"It deals with
personal responsibility," said Mayor Burchett. "Don't flash a lot of cash. Have
your keys ready when you get to your cars. If you have small children, keep them
close to you. Know the people around you, and know your
surroundings."
"We don't want to make
people so paranoid that they can't go into a shopping center," said Deputy
Robert Hubbs. "We want people to think about how crimes occur."
Deputies said if more
people think about how those crimes occur this holiday season, then more crimes
will be prevented.
The Knox County Sheriff's Office also gave these tips for staying safe during holiday shopping:
- Keep all vehicle doors locked while in or out
of your car. Set your alarm.
- Avoid driving alone or at
night.
- If you must shop at night, park in a well lit
area.
- Avoid parking next to vans or cars with
tinted windows.
- Remember where you parked.
- Do not leave valuables or packages in plain
view in your car. Lock them in the trunk or put them out of
sight.
- Have your keys ready when returning to your
car.
- Keep a secure hold on your purse and
packages.
- Always be aware of your
surroundings.
- Do not approach your car alone if anyone
seems suspicious in the area.
- Ask store security for an escort to your
vehicle.
- Dress comfortably and avoid wearing expensive
jewelry.
- Pay for purchases with a credit card or check
instead of carrying large amounts of cash.
- Keep your cash in your front
pocket.
- Keep a record of all your credit card numbers
in a safe place at home.
- Always be more careful, prepared and aware
during the holiday season.
"When you have some dirt bag that comes in and steals from them, it just ruins the whole thing," said Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett.
Last year the Safer Holidays Task Force made 125 arrests and recovered nearly $60,000 in stolen property.
"Beware," said Knox County Chief Deputy Eddie Biggs. "We'll give them a chance not to come. If they come still, we will try to catch them."
