Thieves Taking Holiday at S.D. Shopping Malls

The holiday season has traditionally been a time to watch out for pickpockets, purse-snatchers and car thieves, but so far this season there has been no significant increase in the thefts over Christmastime last year, police and security officials say.

Despite a warning from the San Diego Police Department crime specialist John Slough that “ ‘tis the season to be ripped off,” shopping malls and stores have been reporting a lull in holiday criminal activities.

At Plaza Bonita in National City, mall manager Robert Sanchez said there have not been more shoplifting cases this season than last.

“From time to time things happen that are not reported to us; they are reported to the police,” said Sanchez. “But so far, knock on wood, it’s been quiet.”

At the College Grove Shopping Center, general manager Frank Strle gave a similar report.

“We have been very, very quiet this season,” said Strle. “I have had fewer incidents this year than I have had in the 17 years I’ve been in this business. The whole season we’ve just had one car and one battery stolen.”

“I hate to jinx anything, but it’s pretty quiet this year,” said Rob O’Sullivan, operations manager for Fashion Valley Shopping Center in Mission Valley. His feelings were seconded by the general manager at the University Towne Center in University City. And in Horton Plaza downtown, officials said there has been no reported evidence of pickpockets.

“To me, it is phenomenal,” said Dan Fisher, loss prevention manager at Robinson’s at Horton Plaza. “I can’t understand it. We must be real good” in keeping an eye on potential thieves.

The San Diego police are also concentrating on crime prevention. Special police teams patrol commercial establishment areas “around the clock,” during the holidays, Slough said, leaving regular calls to beat officers.

Also this year, police have distributed pamphlets listing 15 tips on how to avoid purse-snatching and car and house burglaries during the holidays. The pamphlets suggest such things as carrying only the money you will need for shopping, parking on a well-lighted street and leaving the drapes near your Christmas tree closed.

While certain crimes seem to be at a standstill in San Diego, Los Angeles police report an increase in pickpocket activity during the holidays. Last year, there were 3,360 reports of pickpockets striking; 784 of the incidents were in the downtown area.