The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office will be performing “Operation Safe Shopper” throughout the holiday season. Patrols will be focused heavily on shopping centers, banks and recreational facilities during the month of December. This is the third year of such an operation and it has proven to be effective in crime prevention.
Residents will notice an increased presence of law enforcement. They are encouraged to reach out to the deputies and express any suspicious activity or concerns they may have. It is recommended that shoppers lock their vehicles and keep the windows closed. Do not keep valuables within plain view but rather secure them in the trunk of your vehicle. Never leave your motor vehicle running. For those living in The Villages the same precautions apply for golf carts.
Additionally, deputies have been instructed to monitor traffic concerns to include enforcement of handicap parking.
“It is the intention of The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office to deter criminal activity and keep shoppers safe throughout this busy season,” Sheriff Bill Farmer said.
For more information, contact the Sheriff’s Office at (352) 793-2621 or use 911 in the event of an emergency.
