Efforts designed to curtail DUI/DWI, commercial robberies, and shoplifting
LEONARDTOWN, Md. (Dec. 5, 2007)—Police in St. Mary's County are planning to step up patrols over the Christmas and New Year holiday season. Beginning today and ending on January 4, 2008, Maryland State Police troopers will be alert for suspicious activities occurring in and around shopping areas. Troopers and Sheriff's deputies will also be on the lookout for drivers operating on roadways while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Troopers will be performing patrol checks at all of the major shopping areas throughout St. Mary's County by slowly patrolling through the parking area—creating a proactive presence as well as ensuring a quick response to any crime. Additionally, during the hours of darkness, troopers will be making periodic patrol checks at the 24 hour convenience stores.
There will be a 2 man team of troopers on bicycle patrol, patrolling on early shift at the Wal-Mart shopping center, Laurel Glen & First Colony shopping centers in addition to the Wildewood shopping center.
To increase the perception of a strong police presence, all State Police unmarked vehicles will be displaying their marked tags during this time period.
Citizens will see more state and county officers on the roadways looking for impaired drivers and conducting sobriety checkpoints. Police will also be continuing the Cops-in-Shops program that looks for persons underage attempting to purchase alcohol and adults furnishing alcohol for persons under the age of 21.
In December of 2006, 1,076 people were killed nation-wide in traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcyclists with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.