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L.I. Police To Increase Patrols For Holiday Season

NEW YORK (1010 WINS / WCBS 880) -- Suffolk and Nassau Counties are going to offer extra protection for holiday shoppers this year.

Consumers can expect to see more police officers at Suffolk County malls and busy shopping centers on Black Friday. Fifty to 70 recruits will patrol the commercial areas as part of a special in-field training program.

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WCBS 880 Long Island Bureau Chief Mike Xirinachs reports from Islip

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1010 WINS' Mona Rivera reports

"We want our holiday shoppers to feel safe and secure as they make their rounds on the busiest day of the year, and this initiative provides added police presence at key locations," said Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy.

Police officers will also crack down on drunken drivers using a seven-person DWI unit that will begin on Nov. 23 and run through New Year's.

Nassau County is also implementing a holiday shopping safety initiative – intensifying patrols at malls and commercial areas, especially during peak shopping hours. Officers will also be making sure drivers are complying with the Seat Belt Law.

Here are some holiday shopping tips released by Nassau County:

 Before Leaving Home:

Plan your shopping trip carefully. Know where you are going and what routes you will take to get there.

If possible, arrange for a friend to go shopping with you. There is safety in numbers.

Let someone know where you are going and what route you will be taking. Additionally, let them know when you expect to return.

Leave your home secure, engage alarms and give the appearance that your home is occupied by leaving the lights on in the most frequently used rooms.

Don't leave valuable items out in the open. Secure them in closets, safes, etc.

When Parking:

Always park in well-lit areas.

Note the location of your vehicle in the parking lot to conveniently return after shopping.

Always lock all your doors.

Remove all items, such as radar detectors, laptops or packages and hide them in the trunk, glove compartment, out of sight.

Avoid parking near vans or other vehicles with covered cargo areas.

Avoid carrying large handbags. Carry only what is necessary.

Look around the parking lot for suspicious persons before you exit your vehicle.

Don't get out of your vehicle until you are ready. If you don't feel safe, stay in the car or drive away.

While Shopping:

Keep your money and credit cards in your front pocket and try to limit the number of credit cards and amount of cash you're carrying while shopping.

To avoid being a victim of "Identity Theft", be aware of exposing credit cards, debit cards and other identification at the cash register and ATM's. Thieves will utilize cell phones to capture card information without your knowledge.

Be cognizant of any other type of "Distraction" type of crimes that typically occur during this time of the year.

When Returning To Your Car: Never leave the store with your arms full of packages. Use a courtesy cart.

Have your car key in hand, ready to unlock your door.

Check the parking lot for suspicious people and look around before you exit the store.

Do not return to your vehicle if you see people loitering nearby.

Carry a whistle or other audible device. If you feel threatened, use it. If you're inside your vehicle, lock your doors and honk your horn to attract attention.

Check underneath, in front and in back of your car as you approach it.

Check the front and rear passenger seats inside your car before you enter it.

If you are planning on returning to the store, never leave your packages in plain view inside your vehicle. Lock them in the trunk or place them on the floor and cover them with a blanket or jacket.

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