HOUSTON – It’s the most wonderful time of the year.
With holiday shopping in full effect, Mayor Sylvester Turner and Houston Police Chief Troy Finner want Houstonians to spend, spend, spend but do so safely so you can avoid a nightmare before Christmas.
“We want you to shop. Buy, buy, buy until you can’t buy anymore,” said Turner alongside Houston Police Chief Troy Finner at the Galleria mall Friday.
Shoppers told KPRC 2 they’re on board.
“Everyone has always given me a TV for free and you know what, my brother’s here today and he bought me a TV too,” said John Tobeck, who was shopping at the Best Buy in Bunker Hill.
The holiday season is also one of the busiest for criminals. That’s why city leaders are advising shoppers to keep their heads on a swivel.
“If anybody is following us, we’re going to make a couple blocks,” Tobeck said.
Officials said if you feel you’re being followed, drive to a police substation. You may be using your hard-earned money to make the holidays special, but others are hard at work coming up with plans to steal.
“When you’re going to the banks and you’re pulling out cash people could be watching you as well so just be mindful take those additional steps,” Turner said.
Also try to avoid distractions.
“Stay away from the cell phones, the mobile phones when you’re out in the parking lots, talk inside the store,” Finner said.
While Chief Finner says there will be additional uniformed and plain clothed officers throughout the city this holiday season, he’s asking the public to do its part by being vigilant.
“You know how we push down crime in the city of Houston, everybody working together and that’s citizens being smart and being observant and taking care of one another,” he said.
Of course, as always, if you see something say something.
To report suspicious activity, call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 713-222-TIPS.
