Tulsa Police Increase Presence In Shopping Areas

Associated Press

TULSA, OK -- Tulsa police are increasing their presence at shopping areas over the holiday season as part of its Operation Safe Shopper.

Police say the heightened police presence led to the quick capture of a group of thieves targeting shoppers.

Three teens were arrested Wednesday after trying to snatch a purse from a shopper leaving a department store at the Tulsa Hills Shopping Center.

Sgt. Dave Walker, who supervises the department's robbery unit, says he believes the increased police presence is working.

Tulsa police reserve officers and bicycle patrols are being used to blanket shopping areas and handle minor offense reports. Police say this frees up patrol officers to target more serious crimes.