Operation Jingle Bells: SCSO ramps up efforts to deter shoplifting, break-ins during the holidays

MID-SOUTH — Now that holiday shopping is in full swing across the Mid-South, expect to see more law enforcement out and about to keep you safe.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office’s Operation Jingle Bells began Monday and runs through Jan. 1.

The initiative will increase law enforcement presence and visibility during the holidays.

A high concentration will be around Wolfchase Galleria, Macon/Houston Levee, Centennial/Winchester and the Oak Court Mall area, SCSO said.

The operation includes the fugitive bureau, which will concentrate on theft-related warrants.

The traffic bureau will conduct operations in high-traffic business areas, and the patrol division will be conducting details Nov. 28 - Dec. 2 in the east and southeastern part of Shelby County.

SCSO said deputies will be patrolling store parking lots, talking to managers and employees, and ramping up traffic enforcement.

This will help keep shoppers safe and deter car break-ins and shoplifting.

Because deputies will be closer to shopping areas, this will decrease response times on calls for service, SCSO said.

On the weekends, deputy sheriffs will concentrate on high-traffic areas, parking lots and businesses.

Crowds and traffic are at their peak on Saturdays and Sundays.

The Memphis Police Department shared some holiday shopping tips to keep shoppers safe.

Some tips include locking your vehicle when you leave it, parking in well-lit areas and being aware of your surroundings.

MPD also cautioned shoppers not to carry large sums of cash. Making purchases with debit or credit cards is safer.