Safety tips for holiday shoppers

County Executive Edward P. Mangano and Nassau County Police Commissioner Lawrence W. Mulvey and the Police Department are taking affirmative steps to ensure the safety of the people of Nassau County during the upcoming holiday season. 

All regular marked and plainclothes patrols will be intensifying their coverage of shopping malls and commercial areas. The patrols will be augmented by patrol from our Mounted Unit and Bureau of Special Operations. Concurrently, dedicated patrols have been assigned to the major malls within the county, putting additional police officers at those locations during peak hours.

In addition to shopping safety, Nassau Police will also be on the outlook for drivers and occupants who are not complying with the Seat Belt Law. This includes children who are not in child safety seats or buckled in their seat. Police Officers will also be vigilant watching for drivers who are drinking and driving on all roads in Nassau. Handicapped parking violations will be strictly enforced. Parking in handicapped spaces are reserved for those with visible permits.

Police Commissioner Lawrence W. Mulvey suggests some holiday shopping tips:

Before Leaving Home

 - Plan your shopping trip carefully.  Know where you are going and what routes you will take to get there.

- If possible, arrange for a friend to go shopping with you.  There is safety in numbers.

- Let someone know where you are going and what route you will be taking.  Additionally, let them know when you expect to return.

- Leave your home secure, engage alarms and give the appearance that your home is occupied by leaving the lights on in the most frequently used rooms.

- Don’t leave valuable items out in the open.  Secure them in closets, safes, etc.

When Parking

- Always park in well-lit areas.

- Note the location of your vehicle in the parking lot to conveniently return after shopping.

- Always lock all your doors

- Remove all items, such as radar detectors, laptops or packages and hide them in the trunk, glove compartment, out of site.

- Avoid parking near vans or other vehicles with covered cargo areas.

- Avoid carrying large handbags.  Carry only what is necessary.