TAMPA, FL — As the holiday shopping season approaches, the Tampa Police Department is encouraging residents to shop safely.

With an increase in traffic and shoppers on the roads and in stores, specialty teams of officers will patrol malls and shopping centers to ensure a safe holiday season.

On Tuesday, Nov. 21 at 10 a.m., Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw was at WestShore Plaza at 250 WestShore Plaza to discuss the Tampa Police Department’s enforcement efforts to prevent thefts this holiday shopping season.

Officers will be patrolling shopping areas on motorcycle, on foot, on horseback and in patrol cars throughout the holiday season.

l carswho will be patrolling shopping areas throughout the city.

This operation also provides an opportunity for officers to educate shoppers about the dangers of leaving packages and valuables in their vehicles.

A few holiday shopping safety tips include: