PERRYSBURG – The police division is starting a new initiative to help keep shoppers safe this
holiday season.Operation "Safe Shopper" will involve the use of uniformed walking and bicycle
patrols in the city’s shopping areas, along with plainclothes surveillance dedicated to the commercial
shopping and parking areas.The goal of the initiative is to maintain a high profile in conjunction with
low-profile criminal detection techniques to provide the safest shopping environment possible, according to
a press release.The police division is asking the assistance of the public by reporting suspicious people
and vehicles, and staying aware of their surroundings while shopping. Officers will be passing out safe
shopping tips to shoppers and businesses.Some safe shopping tips to consider include:• Stay aware of your
surroundings and notice what is going on around you.• Be aware of people trying to distract you while
someone else is close by.• Park in well-lit areas if possible.• Keep items in the car out of sight and place
things in the trunk whenever possible.• Never leave valuable items (including laptops, iPads, phones,
jewelry, money, credit cards, and similar items) in an unattended car.• Hold on to your purse and don’t
leave it in a shopping cart or on the floor while shopping or checking out.• Put your purse in the car
first, before you unload your cart.• Try not to "telegraph" which car you are entering by hitting
the unlocking button too soon.• Consider not answering your phone or texting while shopping or walking in
the parking lot.• Report suspicious people or activity immediately by calling 419-872-8001 or 911 if it is
an emergency.