Whether it’s online or braving the crowds at stores, many people are trying to get their holiday shopping over and done with. That means you can expect places to be packed, especially because many stores have already rolled out their Black Friday sales early.
For those who prefer to shop in person, the San Diego Police Department wants to make sure people stay safe.
“It’s going to be busy this year, and if there are any interactions you feel unsafe with, or interactions you feel uncomfortable with, it’s best to remove yourself,” said Acting SDPD Sgt. Colin Steinbroner. “Be the bigger person to walk away, and if that can’t happen, call us.”
According to the National Retail Federation’s annual holiday forecast, Americans are expected to spend a little more than $1 trillion between November and December. That’s compared to $976.1 billion in 2024.
“It’s not as hectic as it’s always been because of online shopping, but we want people to be respectful of the fact that it’s a stressful time of year for everybody,” said Steinbroner. “Parking lots are going to be crowded. Parking in general is stressful on normal days, but spots are going to be limited.”
If you’ve already secured your holiday gifts, SDPD recommends keeping them in a safe and secure location to avoid possible theft.
“If you have packages or you have gifts already, it would be better to keep them in the trunk and out of sight,” said Steinbroner.
To file a police report, you can visit the city’s website.