Sheriff Rambosk is deploying technology to help keep holiday shoppers safe

Posted 11/23/21

This holiday season the Collier County Sheriff’s Office is pulling out the stops and deploying technology in ways like never before to keep shoppers safe.

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Sheriff Rambosk is deploying technology to help keep holiday shoppers safe

Posted

NAPLES — This holiday season the Collier County Sheriff’s Office is pulling out the stops and deploying technology in ways like never before to keep shoppers safe.

Drones, electronic message boards, observation towers, and more are part of Sheriff Kevin Rambosk’s plan to fight crime near holiday shopping areas. CCSO is getting ahead of the holiday shopping season, which kicks off the day after Thanksgiving, also known as Black Friday, and reminding everyone to stay vigilant.

But we need your help to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday shopping season.

“We are doing everything we can to make this holiday shopping season a safe and enjoyable one,” Sheriff Rambosk said. “We are also asking everyone to partner with us by doing their part to stay safe. Together we can make this a great and safe holiday season.”

That means being aware of your surroundings no matter where you are at, whether it’s in a store or mall parking lot. And while being aware of your surroundings is paramount, shoppers should always lock car doors and never leave purchases and other valuables such as key fobs, purses and electronics inside their vehicle. If valuables are left in the vehicle while shopping, place them out of plain view. It’s also a good idea not to tip off would-be thieves by posting your holiday shopping plans online.

For the first time the Sheriff’s Office will be using drones to monitor crowds and traffic to increase public safety.

CCSO and other Florida law enforcement agencies can now use drones to gain an aerial perspective of a crowd of 50 people or more, thanks to a new state law that went into effect over the summer broadening the use of drones by law enforcement. The new law also permits law enforcement agencies to use drones to assist with traffic management.

Portable electronic message boards to communicate important safety messages will be placed at high visibility locations. The message boards will remind shoppers to lock their vehicles and remove valuables.

Traffic-scanning equipment will be deployed to enhance safety.

Deputies will be using the agency’s Skywatch Sentinel observation tower to help monitor various shopping center parking lots to keep shoppers safe.
Deputies will be using the agency’s Skywatch Sentinel observation tower to help monitor various shopping center parking lots to keep shoppers safe.
Deputies will be using the agency’s Skywatch Sentinel observation tower to help monitor various shopping center parking lots to keep shoppers safe.

Deputies will be out walking area shopping districts throughout the holiday season sharing important safety information.

Here are some tips so you and your family can enjoy a safe holiday season:

• Shop during daylight hours when possible. If shopping at night, take a friend or family member and park in a well-lit area.

• Always be aware of your surroundings.

• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.

• Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible. They are prime targets in crowded areas. Keep cash in your front pocket.

• Avoid carrying large amounts of money.

• Don’t leave merchandise, wallets and purses in unattended vehicles or shopping carts.

• Locate your keys and have them in your hand before you arrive at your car.

CCSO, holiday, drones, monitor, crowds, traffic

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