Full Notification

The Sheriff's Department Holiday Watch program is now underway to keep you and your family safe during this busy shopping and travel season.

This crime-fighting initiative consists of enforcement and education. Expect more patrols in your neighborhood, malls, Coasters, parking lots and other hot spots for criminals. Sheriff's SKYWATCH will also be deployed at parking lots to spot suspicious activity. Deputies will also check on parolees and probationers to ensure they are complying with the conditions of their release.

Check out our Holiday Watch events in your area and get safety tips from our Deputies, Crime Prevention Specialists, and Senior Volunteer Patrol members:

Black Friday, November 28
8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Command Post and Crime Prevention Display at Walmart
1800 University Drive, Vista

November 28, November 30, December 20
Extra Patrols at Target - 14823 Pomerado Road, Poway,
Costco – 12155 Tech Center Drive, Poway, Walmart – 13425 Community Road, Poway

November 28 through January 3
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Horse, Bicycle and Volunteer Patrols
K-mart, Albertsons, Stater Brothers, other businesses
along Main Street between Pala and 6th Streets, Ramona

December 4
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Crime Prevention Display at Lincoln Acres Library
2725 Granger Avenue, National City

December 6
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Free Steering Wheel Locks for cars reported most stolen in 2013
Veterans Park, 1075 8th Street, Imperial Beach

December 8
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Command Post, extra patrol and crime prevention display at Walmart
732 Center Drive, San Marcos

December 19
6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Command Post and Crime Prevention Display at Krikorian Theaters at Vista Village, 25 Main Street, Vista

December 19, 20 and 21
11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sheriff's SKYWATCH and Crime Prevention Display at Walmart
1550 Leucadia Boulevard, Encinitas

You can keep the Grinch and other cunning crooks away by following these crime prevention tips:

Out and About
• Shop during the day when possible and shop with a friend.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Don't overload your arms with packages and bags while shopping.
• Park in a well‐lit area.
• Have your keys out and ready when approaching your car.
• Be aware of how you carry your purse or wallet. Would it be easy for someone to take it?
• When out at the malls and stores shopping, lock your car doors and take valuables with you.
• When storing items purchased at the stores, place them out of sight. The best place is in a locked trunk.

At Home
• Always lock your doors and windows especially at night and when you're away.
• Avoid opening doors to strangers.
• Place gifts where they cannot be seen from outside your home.
• Sheriff's Crime Prevention Specialists offer a free security check to show vulnerabilities in your home. Call your local Station or Substation. For more information, visit www.sdsheriff.net/patrol.
• After opening presents, don't pile up empty gift boxes on the street. This gives burglars a hint of expensive items in your home. Instead, keep boxes inside until the night before your garbage pickup. If you see someone casing your alley, report suspicious activity to the Sheriff's non‐emergency line at (858) 565‐5200.

When Going on Vacation
• Lock up your home and activate your alarm.
• Don't share your plans on social media.
• Sign up for a FREE vacation check so Sheriff's Senior Volunteer Patrol (SVP) members can keep an eye on your home. Visit www.sdsheriff.net.
• Hold the delivery of your mail and newspaper or ask a trusted friend to pick them up for you.
• Ask a neighbor to occasionally park in your driveway.

Deputies will also be on the lookout for drunk drivers this holiday season. Remember to Buckle Up America!

If you need someone to talk to during the holiday season, the county crisis hotline is open 24 hours per day. Call (888) 724-7240.

In an emergency, call 9-1-1. If you see something, say something. Report suspicious activity to the Sheriff's Department by calling our non-emergency line at (858) 565-5200.

For a full list of Holiday Watch events in your neighborhood, visit www.sdsheriff.net.

Put a star in your future, visit www.joinsdsheriff.net.