How Des Peres police are working to keep holiday shoppers safe
DES PERES, Mo. (First Alert 4) - Christmas Day will be here before you know it!
People are hitting the stores, getting last-minute shopping done.
The Des Peres Police Department is working to keep grinches away from West County Center. Two Des Peres police officers are assigned to the mall at all times.
Chief Eric Hall tells First Alert 4, “We realize this is one of the most popular regional malls.”
According to Hall, the department has installed tag readers at the mall. They are also utilizing plainclothes detectives and a special four-legged officer.
Officer Brandon Elzinga and his K-9 partner, Obie, patrol the mall looking for firearms on people.
“Everybody loves seeing us. They want to stop and meet my partner and talk about him,” says Elzinga.
Obie’s addition came after two shootings in the mall in 2021.
No matter where you choose to do your holiday shopping, Chief Hall says you should be alert, as grinches may be out looking to steal your Christmas joy.
Hall advises, “Be aware of your surroundings, don’t carry a large amount of cash with you and when possible. If you have bags, if you’re shopping and you want to say, put them in your vehicle, always lock them in your trunk.”
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