BART Police to increase security on busy Black Friday

BART’s Police Department announced it will increase police presence on “Black Friday,” a typically busy day as riders head to shopping destinations. Officers will be stationed at downtown San Francisco stations where large numbers of shoppers are expected, riding trains and patrolling BART parking lots. “Holiday crime knows no boundaries; it can happen in a mall, a movie theater or on public transit,” BART Police Chief Kenton Rainey said. “As always, we ask the public to be aware of their surroundings while traveling on the system. The public can help be our eyes and ears—if they see something, say something, either by contacting a police officer directly or by calling (510) 464-7000.” 
 

BART police remind riders to be cautious during the shopping season and to report any suspicious activity observed on the BART system.
 

• Avoid carrying large sums of cash; instead use a single debit or credit card for shopping
• Avoid carrying your wallets or other valuables in back pockets
• Keep wallets secure - use purses or bags with zippered compartments, this is especially important if you’re carrying infants, small children or lots of packages
• Keep iPods, cell phones, MP3 players and other small electronics in a secure place 
• Shop in teams–it’s safer and more fun to shop with friends and family
• Be wary of someone trying to create a distraction, such as dropping coins or bumping into you–some pickpockets work in teams
• Don’t leave anything—from small change to shopping bags—in your vehicle for thieves to see
• Report suspicious activity to BART Police at (510) 464-7000
• Program the BART police number above into your mobile phone so you can call it quickly from almost anywhere in the BART system should you have an emergency