Prattville Police Dept. Prepares For Extra Holiday Security Thursday
While many of you tonight are thinking about last-minute preparations for your Thanksgiving dinner, the Prattville Police Department is thinking ahead to the unofficial start to the holiday shopping season that will kick off tomorrow night. We’re taking action against crime tonight with an up-close look at Prattville’s security detail and how they are pulling out all the stops to keep you safe. Prattville Police say this time of year they see about a 15 percent increase in the number of car thefts and break-ins and this year officers will be in full-force and very visible, so that people thinking about stealing will think twice before breaking the law. It may seem like big brother is watching all throughout the city of Prattville. “Our camera systems are set up where we can respond immediately to anything we see on them,” Said Chief Mark Thompson. This mobile command post is one of two in the city that will be watching shoppers during Prattville Police Department’s holiday security detail. “Officers and other personnel will be sitting in it and monitoring the camera. And it can see the whole parking lot will be viewed from that one source,” Said Thompson. There’s a mobile command post at the K-Mart and Target shopping Center. And if you’re thinking about stealing — think twice. The camera has a pretty good zoom. And it’s not the only tool police are using to boost security. There will be officers on bikes and in marked and un-marked cars. Some businesses like the added security. “You also see the officers will park and come inhere and park and do a quick foot patrol so I think that’s reassuring not only to us as business people but to our customers as well,” Said Bass Pro Shops General Manager, Eric Alford. Usually there’s about 12 officers on duty at one time. There will be 30 to 40 officers during the holiday security detail, which ends January 3. “It makes me feel safe and comfortable to bring my family out for a day of shopping,” Said shopper Kaylan Ingram. So just because you may not see a marked police car or officer in uniform, it doesn’t mean you’re not being watched. “If you’re coming to look for an easy item to steal, we’re going to make it as hard as possible on you,” Said Thompson. Chief Thompson says they’ll be patrolling about 50 stores in Prattville. The extra security begins tomorrow at 4 pm. The police department asks you to park in well-lit areas and if you’re keeping shopping items in your car to put them in your trunk and make sure to lock your cars. If you do see any suspicious activity, you’re asked to call police at 595-0208.
