As the holidays get under way, Scottsdale police are stepping up patrols inside and outside Scottsdale Fashion Square, hoping to deter crime so shoppers won’t begin crying the blues on Black Friday.
The mall at 7014 E. Camelback Road is one of the busiest in the Valley, and thieves will be eyeing shoppers for their merchandise and money, police warned.
To help keep shoppers safe, police are increasing patrols by adding an extra squad and sergeant seven days a week so people feel safer as they remind them to be more aware of their surroundings as they leave the stores for the parking garage.
“It’s a fact of life, when there’s more people around, there’s more thieves,” said Scottsdale police Sgt. Mark Clark. “There are criminals who will be trying to take advantage of the opportunity. We’ll have extra officers on bikes, cars or walking.”
Of the 312 reports of criminal incidents at Scottsdale Fashion Square police responded to in 2006, 62 were between Nov. 15 and Dec. 31, according to the Scottsdale Police Department.
So far this year, there have been 281 total incidents through Wednesday, according to police.
Clark said officers will also focus on deterring vehicle burglaries and property crimes during the increased patrols.
“We’re not going to say exactly how many extra police officers will be patrolling the area,” Clark said. “We’ve always had officers out there, but this year, we have more manpower, and the patrols will be more structured. We’re always asking shoppers to be more aware and watch for people who invade your personal space who would make you feel uncomfortable. People will be loading and unloading merchandise into their cars in the parking garages, and thieves watch for that.”
