A Columbia Police Department initiative is designed to keep shoppers safe during the holiday season.
Operation P.R.I.C.E. (Prevention through Real time Intelligence, Collaboration and Enforcement) was rolled out recently, and Chief Michael Kelly said the department wants to work with citizens and retailers.
He said police officials recently met with local retail managers to talk about how the CPD can better serve the public and stores during the holiday.
The result of that collaboration is Operation P.R.I.C.E., he said.
Kelly said the CPD urges people to be vigilant when shopping and to report suspicious activity.
“A great reporting tool is P3Tips, an online app that is simple to use and is available for download for both iPhone and Android users,” he said.
According to Kelly, the police department increased enforcement activity near shopping districts beginning Nov. 23. That will continue through Jan. 5.
Kelly said the CPD will make regular posts on social media sites to discuss holiday safety tips, host a “Get Home Safe” women’s self-defense seminar and provide a “Safe Meeting Zone” at the police department so customers of online marketplaces can safely meet with their merchant for exchanges.
“Historically during this time of the year, we see an increase of property theft in our residential neighborhoods and shoplifting in our business districts,” Kelly said. “Our goal is to reduce this criminal activity by proactive enforcement and community partnerships. You can expect to see our officers in full force around our business district during peak shopping times as well as in our neighborhoods looking for any suspicious activity.
“We encourage citizens to use the P3 app to report crime tips or call the police department non-emergency line (601) 736-8204.”
