BPD adds officers at College Mall for holiday season

The Bloomington Police Department began adding additional officers around College Mall and other retail locations Friday to help ease the potential tension of the holiday shopping season.

The officers will patrol parking lots, walking areas and night deposit boxes.

“In these difficult economic times, there is the potential for an increase in the criminal activity usually associated with the holiday season,” said Chief Mike Diekhoff in a BPD press release. “Becoming a victim of a crime can ruin what is supposed to be a joyous time of year, and, unfortunately, there are people who will take advantage of others despite the fact that it’s the Christmas season.”

There is an increase in crime reported for shoplifting, vehicle thefts and purse thefts during the holiday season, according to the press release.