Holiday Safety During Shopping

WHAT:
News Conference
WHERE:
Panorama Mall Parking Lot
8401 Van Nuys Boulevard
Panorama City, CA
WHEN:
November 23, 2007 9:00 a.m.

WHO:
Captain Jorge Villegas, Mission Area Commanding Officer

WHY:
The day after Thanksgiving has become one of the busiest shopping days leading up to Christmas. The Panorama Mall is no exception to the increase in shopping activity. Unfortunately, this is also a busy time for criminals who are preying on unsuspecting shoppers. Last year alone there was a 33% increase in BTFV crimes in and around the mall. Many of those crimes could have been prevented if shoppers had taken simple precautions such as not leaving cell phones, CD’s and packages in their vehicle in plain view and not locking them in the truck of the vehicle.

This effort will be a two-prong effort. The first portion will be the education and notification of the community members who come to the mall to prevent them from being a target or victim. Mission Area Explore Scouts will be passing out flyers with tips and advice on how not to become a victim. Captain Villegas will highlight those tips and what efforts are being made to prevent crime. The second prong will be high visibility and enforcement by Mission Area officers to provide a crime free atmosphere to shop and enjoy the holiday season in and around the mall.

For further information contact Mission Area at 818-838-9800.