The holidays bring people together in airports, shopping centers, Christmas parades, concerts, and community events. It is a wonderful time of year, but it is also a time when officers see an increase in avoidable safety issues. Travel becomes hectic, crowds get larger, and distracted families make easy targets. See It Send It is encouraging everyone to stay aware, stay prepared, and enjoy a safe and peaceful Christmas season.
Airports and highways are especially busy this time of year, and even simple awareness can prevent problems. Officers often deal with more thefts in parking garages, lost or unattended bags, and tempers running high as people rush to catch flights. A few basic precautions help a lot. Lock your vehicle, keep valuables out of sight, and avoid setting luggage down while your attention is elsewhere.
National crime data show that certain offenses rise sharply during the holidays, especially theft related crimes. According to the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer, property crimes in the U.S. peaked in December 2024, with 66,676 incidents, a 10.8 percent jump from November and the highest month of the year. According to FBI trend reports, larceny and property theft regularly spike between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, driven by heavier foot traffic in malls, crowded parking garages, and an increase in delivered packages.
In December 2024, law enforcement agencies across California carried out “Operation Holiday Watch,” which targeted organized retail theft on the eve of Christmas shopping rush. The California Highway Patrol reported 117 arrests, the recovery of 767 stolen items valued at over $38,290, including three stolen vehicles.
Large holiday events like concerts, tree lightings, and parades create a festive atmosphere, but they also make it easier for criminals to blend into the crowd. When you arrive at a venue, take a moment to notice the exits, keep your kids close, and stick to well-lit areas when heading back to your car. Trust your instincts. If a situation or person makes you uneasy, let security or an event official know.
Shopping season also brings more opportunistic crime. Criminals look for people juggling bags, checking phones, or loading children into cars. Try not to leave purchases where they can be seen, park in busy areas, and stay alert when moving through parking lots or store entrances.
At home, small habits go a long way. Porch thefts jump in December, and homes can be more vulnerable when families travel. Leave lights on when you will be gone for the evening, ask a neighbor to pick up packages, and make sure doors and windows are secure. If you plan to be out of town, let someone you trust know in advance.
See It Send It was created to help communities stay alert and informed. This is not a push to use the app in every situation, but a reminder that safety starts with simple awareness and smart choices. The holidays are meant to be enjoyed with family and friends, and a little caution helps keep those moments bright.
All of us at See It Send It wish you a safe, joyful, and memorable holiday season.
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