Police urge vigilance during holiday season
Operation Safer Streets hopes to curb traditional spike in thefts

The Simi Valley Police Department will increase its enforcement efforts this holiday season with Operation Safer Streets. Statistics show that property crimes increase during the holidays when residents frequent shopping centers and local businesses.

The program will consist of an increased presence of uniformed officers throughout the city, a zero tolerance enforcement approach and a public crime prevention campaign to educate residents how to avoid being victimized.

Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activity or persons immediately and to lock and secure their homes when unattended or while on vacation. Residents should notify their neighbors of planned vacations and leave an emergency contact number.

Unattended vehicles should be locked and secured at all times. Vehicle owners should not leave valuables in plain sight and avoid parking in areas that are not welllit at night.

Any citizen interested in a Neighborhood Watch program should call the Crime Prevention Section at (805) 583-6908.

To report suspicious activity, call (805) 583-6950.