Safe for the Season information card (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

HOLIDAY SAFETY

Kamloops Crime Prevention unit kicks off Safe for the Season campaign

Nov 28, 2024 | 4:58 PM

KAMLOOPS — The City of Kamloops Crime Prevention Unit is kicking off their holiday campaign with the safe for the season program.

A team of 25 volunteers are hitting the streets and parking lots of the city over the next month, helping ensure everybody has a happy holiday season, safe from theft.

The Crime Prevention Unit is handing out tip cards with simple suggestions to help reduce crime during the holidays and engage with the public about safe practices to deter thefts this winter.

“We do this every year and we are just trying to remind the public while they are doing the holiday shopping just to be safe, do some due diligence and secure the valuables,” said Sandro Piroddi, Kamloops Crime Prevention Unit Coordinator. “One of the things we recommend — I know it’s hard to do — but just try to plan a little bit what you are doing. We are all excited to get the big presents and all that, but if there are some big purchases you want to make, maybe wait until the end, and try to get those valuables home as quickly as you can. And when you get them home, your vehicle is not a hiding spot.”

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The high-visibility-vested volunteers also provide a deterrent to crime by their presence alone, giving would-be thieves a second thought.

“That’s what the volunteers aim to do with this program is just to be a deterrent, be a presence. Typically, if somebody has been seen, they are not going to commit a crime,” said Piroddi.

The crime prevention team will also be conducting a holiday campaign with local businesses to help prevent theft.