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Tampa Police Patrols Are Holiday Tradition At Malls

News Channel 8 photo by PAUL LAMISON

Horses patrol the parking lot at WestShore Plaza as part of an extra patrol during the holiday shopping season.

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By VALERIE KALFRIN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 26, 2008

TAMPA - Perched atop his horse D'artagnon, Tampa Officer Scott Rehbein saw all sorts of temptations for thieves in the WestShore Plaza parking lot today.

Within 10 minutes, Rehbein spotted a Mazda with an American Eagle Outfitters shopping bag on the front seat, a pickup with cardboard boxes marked "Fragile" inside the cab, a Toyota with a paisley quilted purse in the back seat and an unlocked sport utility vehicle.

Like jingle bells and Santa hats, Rehbein and other Tampa police officers patrolling the malls are a holiday tradition. Officers on horseback and motorcycles, and in unmarked vehicles, will conduct extra patrols at WestShore Plaza, International Plaza and along the Dale Mabry Highway corridor from now through Jan. 4.

The goal is to prevent auto burglaries and other property crimes by looking for people skulking around parking areas -- and shoppers who don't secure their purchases. The patrols also help protect employees working late during the holiday crunch, said Cpl. Mike Morrow, sitting atop another police horse, Sequence.

Any purse, bag, cell phone or electronic gadget is attractive to a thief, especially inside an unlocked vehicle. Police are concerned this year's soured economy could inspire some desperate shoppers to resort to stealing.

"There are more people going to take chances," Rehbein said.

"Somebody may think it's just easier to grab it and go," Morrow said.

Locking doors and hiding parcels are excellent deterrents, said Rehbein, pointing out a black flap in the rear of a Volvo hiding whatever was in the rear. "This car's got the right idea," he said.

SHOPPING TIPS

Police offered these tips for shoppers so their bargains don't get swiped:

•Lock car doors and windows even if you only will be gone a few minutes.

•Keep packages and valuables out of view, preferably in the trunk.

•Avoid carrying large amounts of money. Pay with debit or credit cards whenever possible.

•Don't overburden yourself with packages. Have purchases delivered whenever practical.

•Shop before dark if possible; take a friend if you plan to be out late.

•Park near streetlights and have your keys in hand when you return to your car. Always check the interior before you unlock a door to enter.

•Be aware of your surroundings. If you see anyone hanging around parking garages, parking lots or outside stores, avoid the area and alert police or security.

Reporter Valerie Kalfrin can be reached at (813) 259-7800 or vkalfrin@tampatrib.com.

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