STOCKTON, Calif. — With red and green decorations up and festive music playing all day long, it’s the peak of the holiday shopping season at Stockton’s Lincoln Center.
Working just as hard as the shoppers looking to snag a deal, is the shopping center’s 24-hour security team.
“We have over 55 cameras center-wide so always keeping an eye out," said Lincoln Center Marketing Director Katie Drebert. "We are also lucky to have a great relationship with the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, so they provide patrol throughout the year but they and us really amp it up during the holiday season to keep an eye out.”
That extra eye on shoppers and potential thieves is slated to get even clearer after the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors voted to approve $45,000 in funding for six new license plate reading cameras.
According to the county, organized retail theft is on the rise and at least three or four cases of shoplifting are reported at Lincoln Center each week. The popular shopping center's existing cameras are often too blurry to make out license plate numbers, county documents show.
"The addition of some more license plate reader cameras will help combat some of the issues that do occur here," said Lincoln Center property manager Hobie Day. "I think it’s really important to have because it goes through a federal database of anyone who's on the FBI hotlist. Their license plate, it’ll scan it and if it does ring up that they are on the watchlist, law enforcement will be notified directly and dispatched out here.”
It's unclear when the cameras will go up.
While the Stockton Police Department isn't in charge of patrolling the Lincoln Center area, officers are working to keep shoppers all around the city safe.
“We’re going to have some additional patrols out there additional officers in the malls and our busier shopping areas and parking lots," said Public Information Officer Omer Edhah. "Some of our SPOT trucks are also going to be out there."
Police say there are several steps that people can take to protect themselves while shopping.
"Try to avoid shopping alone, if you do, be careful. Park in well-lit areas. Have your keys ready as you’re approaching your vehicle. Always be aware of your surroundings before you get to your vehicle and before you get out of your vehicle," said Edhah. "Just be aware and as always, if you see something, say something"
Lincoln Center officials hope that people will practice personal safety and support local businesses to keep the joy alive this holiday shopping season.
"We really are wanting to put the message out to support local this holiday season," said Drebert. "These local retailers and restaurants really depend on our community so it's something we hope our customers and community keep top of mind."
Watch more from ABC10: Tips for holiday shopping on a budget | Dollars & Sense
