The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Alexandria Police Department, Pineville Police Department, Louisiana Department of Probation and Parole, and the Louisiana State Police, announced a proactive law enforcement initiative aimed at keeping shoppers safe during the final week before Christmas. The effort is titled Operation: Safe Christmas.

The initiative will include increased uniformed and plainclothes patrols in retail areas throughout Alexandria, Pineville, and surrounding communities. The operation is designed to deter theft and other property crimes while increasing law enforcement visibility during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year. Officers will focus on preventing shoplifting, vehicle break-ins, and other criminal activity while also providing safety guidance to shoppers.

Operation: Safe Christmas will feature an enhanced visible law enforcement presence in shopping centers, malls, and business parking lots, along with undercover patrols. Agencies involved emphasized that the operation is a coordinated effort among local and state law enforcement partners working together to ensure public safety.

Shoppers are encouraged to take precautions while visiting retail areas, including staying alert and aware of their surroundings, avoiding cell phone distractions, parking in well-lit areas, locking vehicle doors, keeping valuables out of sight, reporting suspicious activity, and shopping with a companion when possible.

Officials said the goal of the operation is to help ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday shopping experience for everyone and extended well wishes for a safe and Merry Christmas