Sheriff's Department Issues Holiday Advisory

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS BUREAU BULLETIN

In an effort to maintain a safe and secure environment during the upcoming holiday season, the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office wants to make the public aware that criminal statistics have shown that during the holiday season criminal activity increases. The economic conditions of today may be a contributing factor to an increase in criminal activity during the holiday season.

Citizens and business owners can take necessary precautions to reduce criminal activity such as:

Maintaining video surveillance systems to assure that they are functioning properly
Adequate lighting
Adequate visibility
Alarm systems working properly
Prepare pre-arranged robbery plans for employees
Internal signals for employees in the event of robbery
Obtain a detailed description of suspect(s) height, race, weight, clothing, shoes, jewelry, tattoos, vehicle description, and direction of travel without risking the safety of yourself or co-workers

If you become a “victim” of a robbery:

Call 911
Keep your doors locked
Do not allow anyone inside or outside of the establishment or residence until law enforcement has arrived on scene
Do not disturb the crime scene
Do not attempt to fight the suspect(s)
Do not attempt to follow the suspect(s)

You, as a citizen or business owner, can play a key role in crime prevention. Be cautious, careful, and alert to reduce the risk of criminal activity that might compromise your safety during the holiday season.