Las Vegas Police Tips

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — With the holiday shopping season in full swing, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is stepping up efforts to combat thefts at local shopping centers.

Capt. Jonathan Riddle shared details of the department’s enhanced security measures to keep the public safe and reduce crime during the busy shopping season.

“During the holidays, we see a noticeable increase in thefts, especially at retail locations,” Riddle said. “To combat this problem, we deploy on-duty officers to high-traffic areas such as Walmart, Targets and local shopping centers, where we can quickly respond to potential threats while also acting as a deterrent to criminals.”

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Officers use several strategies to ensure public safety: Officers are stationed in marked patrol cars to increase visibility.

“We expect that simply by being visible, we will push criminals elsewhere,” Riddle explained. “This has been a very successful strategy for several years.”

Riddle also emphasized the importance of community involvement in preventing theft.

“We encourage shoppers to remain vigilant and contact police if they have any concerns,” Riddle said. “And if you see something, say something. A quick call to 311 or 911 can make all the difference.”

Riddle urges shoppers to be aware of their surroundings and not leave valuables in plain sight in their cars.

“Criminals often look for easy targets,” Riddle said. “Stay alert, lock up your belongings and don’t hesitate to report suspicious activity.”

Finally, Riddle urged drivers to stay safe on the roads during the busy holiday season.

“We’ve had an unacceptable number of fatalities this year,” he said. “Our message is clear: slow down, don’t use your phone and pay attention to the road. We want everyone to get home safely to their families.”