HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-12-26 - Day After Christmas Shopping Tips from Police Department
Type of Incident: Day After Christmas Shopping Tips
Location: Greater Southcenter Area
Date /Time Occurred: 12/26/11, All Day Case Number: none
Press Contact: Mike Murphy Phone Number: 433 -1825
Description of Incident
Distribution:
Local Media
Mayor's Office
City Administrator
City Clerk's Office
Council Analyst
PD Administration
PD Supervisors
PD Records
Many people return to retail establishments on the day after Christmas. The City of Tukwila
Police Department will also have many additional officers working in uniformed and undercover
duty that day. We are prepared for this event and would like to share a few tips to keep your
shopping (returning /exchanging) day more safe and enjoyable.
Be aware! Police will be out in force but nothing is more important than every person being
aware of what is going on around them. If you see something wrong, or even if you think it
may be wrong, contact one of the many police or security officers working in and around the
stores. We're there for you and we want you to feel safe.
Be patient. Traffic may be heavy and getting there and back may take more time. Please don't
block intersections or park illegally. Small violations can amplify through a crowd causing
everything to grind to a halt. If confronted by a hostile driver, please continue to be safe and
courteous and call 911 if you feel unsafe. Watch those horns and hand gestures- angry
expressions seldom result in de- escalation.
Don't leave valuables in your car. Hiding items often doesn't deter theft. Criminals have
actually been known to watch people come and go from their cars. If they suspect that you left
something valuable in your car, they may break in. If you do place something you purchased in
your car, consider concealing it and moving your car before returning to shop. If you can't hide
it, you might consider going home without further stops for dinner or shopping.
When walking through parking lots, keep your head up and look around; make eye contact with
strangers. Keep your phone handy. If something doesn't look right, trust your instincts.
Above all, enjoy yourself and remember that your police and fire departments are here and
ready to serve. Never hesitate to call if you need us.
Michael Villa, Chief of Police