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Photo via Ministry of Public Security.

Costa Rica's Safe Holidays operation launched



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Published on Thursday, November 28, 2024
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff




The Safe Holidays operation, which aims to improve surveillance and security throughout the Christmas and New Year holidays, has begun, announced to the Ministry of Public Security.


This year's one-week holiday break will take place between Christmas Eve and the second New Year's Day, from Tuesday, December 24, 2024, to Thursday, January 2, 2025. The public agencies and most of the private companies grant long holiday vacations on particular days to comply with the law and benefit their employees.


According to the Labor Law, employees will get their Christmas bonus, known as aguinaldo, during the first week of December. Typically, the additional money is spent on Christmas shopping, New Year's celebrations, or a family vacation during the holidays.


The police implemented the surveillance task on Thursday, Nov. 28, which will last until January 6, 2024, according to a ministry statement.


Authorities are increasing police presence with over 6,000 policemen stationed on roads, national parks, tourist attractions, shopping centers, banks and border posts among other public areas.






 


The security operation is carried out by land, sea, and air, with the coordinated participation of all police forces, including the Ministry Police, Tourist Police, Mounted Police, Bicycle Police, Air Surveillance officers, Coast Guard officers, Traffic Police, Migration Police, and Municipal Police, authorities added.



Police encourage people to take simple precautions to avoid theft when shopping, such as:

  • Shop with friends or relatives when taking a trip to the store.  


  • Keep your purse close to your body and your wallet in an inside coat pocket or a front pants pocket.


  • Avoid flashing a lot of cash. If possible, opt to use your digital wallet, credit or debit card for your purchases.


  • Watch over your items while eating in the food court, as they may be easy to steal when people are distracted. Keep your shopping bags close to you and below your table if possible.


  • Try to make purchases on just one credit card. Data breaches may occur, especially during busy shopping seasons, and cyberattacks generally increase during holiday sales. Should this happen, you can reduce the risk by not having multiple cards compromised.


  • Ask for help moving and loading large items if needed.


  • Select a central location to meet if you are shopping with children in case you are separated. Teach kids how to ask a security guard or employee for help if they're lost.


  • Remain alert to your surroundings and try not to be too distracted by your phone or carry an overwhelming number of bags.


  • Avoid wearing jewelry.


  • Don't leave your vehicle parked on the road.


  • Protect your car (and everything inside) from burglars, remember to always lock their doors, roll up their windows, and park in well-lit areas or a parking lot.


To report a robbery, call 9-1-1, authorities noted.


The Ministry of Public Security (MSP) is the government agency responsible for ensuring citizen security, preserving public order, forming police units, and coordinating anti-crime initiatives.



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What should people do to avoid being robbed while shopping?
We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com




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