Clearwater police officers and Pinellas sheriff's deputies will be watching over holiday shoppers this weekend, literally.
SkyWatch, a two-story observation tower at Westfield Countryside Mall, will be deployed Friday and Saturday. It will be parked on the south side of the mall between Whole Foods and BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse.
Clearwater Police officers and Pinellas County Sheriff's Office deputies will staff the tower both days. Officers will also be out on foot, on bicycles, and in cars.
The tower is enclosed and equipped with a camera and offers those inside a 360-degree view of the surrounding area.
Westfield Countryside Mall won't be the only shopping destination with a higher concentration of police officers. Clearwater Mall also will be a focus, as well as shopping centers located at Drew Street and U.S. 19 and Sunset Point Road and U.S. 19.
As part of Operation Safe Holidays, officers will be handing out pamphlets with safety tips for shoppers.
Here are a few of them:
- Do not keep any packages where they are visible in your car. Keep them locked in your trunk out of sight. Always lock your car doors.
- As you walk to the car from the store, observe your surroundings constantly, especially when you exit the store. Don't have your arms so full of packages that your view all around you is obstructed.
- There is power in numbers. You are less likely to become a crime victim if you are not alone.
- Have your car keys in your hand as you approach the car to speed up the time it takes you to get inside. Carrying your cell phone in your hand is also a good idea.
- Always park in well-lit areas at night.
- Be wary of any stranger approaching you in the parking lot.
- Report any suspicious activity to mall security or police officers.