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LAPD To Boost Holiday Foot Patrols In Downtown LA

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Police are stepping up foot patrols in the downtown Los Angeles for the holiday season, a captain said Tuesday.

"One-quarter of our major crimes which occur in the downtown area, are thefts, committed by shoplifters and persons taking other's property when the owner is not paying attention," police Capt. Todd Chamberlain said. "We want shoppers to be aware of their surroundings and have an enjoyable shopping experience downtown."

Police will be looking for shoplifters and pickpockets.

"We also want to remind drivers to lock their cars and remove all items from the passenger compartment, especially electronic items and gifts," Chamberlain said.

Jaywalkers will get tickets that cost about $190 each, he said.

"This message is about education," Chamberlain said. "We want to ensure everyone's safety while visiting downtown."

(©2010 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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