To provide shoppers an extra measure of safety and security during the holidays, the Simi Valley Police Department is once again increasing its patrols of retail centers and malls.

With the help of its reserve officer unit, Citizens on Patrol program and bicycle patrol team, the department will have a greater presence at shopping areas in the hope of deterring any would-be Grinches, according to Sgt. David Livingstone, head of Simi's crime prevention unit. "We've been doing (increased

patrols) every holiday season for a while now, starting at Thanksgiving and continuing through Christmas," Livingstone said. "With more shoppers out there, we get an increase in propertyrelated crimes, like vehicle breakins and things like that.

"Criminals are aware it's Christmas," he added. "They figure when there are sales out there for consumers, it means 'everything's on sale for us.'"

These directed patrols, Livingstone said, are aimed at preventing vehicle burglaries, assaults and robberies.

The extra visibility, he said, is meant to prevent incidents that could otherwise spoil the holiday season for residents and merchants.

"Having a greater presence is a crime prevention tool in and of itself," Livingstone said. "If everywhere a criminal goes there's a police officer there, it takes away that opportunity for them. They feel like they're being constantly watched. It's what we call preventative patrol."

The department is also urging residents to protect themselves. Awareness and vigilance during the busy holiday season, Livingstone said, are important parts of crime prevention.

"Criminals look to take advantage of the fact that a lot of people are in a hurry, in a rush trying to get those last-minute gifts," he said. "They figure people aren't as careful as they normally might be and might leave a car door open. . . . They're like gold miners. They go for the place with the highest value and then they work it."

Police are encouraging residents to make sure not to leave any valuables in their vehicles and to keep their vehicles locked at all times. If a shopper feels they must leave a valuable inside the car, Livingstone said, it should be out of plain sight.

"The sight of packages and other wrapping, from say a place like Best Buy, is an inviting target for would-be thieves," the sergeant said.

It's also important to keep an extra-close eye on children when in the midst of a large crowd and to report any suspicious activity immediately.

Often, people decide to report possible criminal activity after the fact when they arrive home, giving a potential criminal time to commit a crime and escape before the police are notified, he said.

"If a resident sees something and feels strange about (it), he or she should call us right then and there. Don't wait," Livingstone said. "Trust your natural instincts. When you feel there is something wrong, it's okay to call us, even if it turns out in the long run to be nothing at all. We don't ever penalize people for calling."

For more information on crime prevention or making your home more secure, call the police department's crime prevention unit at (805) 583-6908.