BART PD holds Black Friday safety events at Bay Fair and West Oakland stations

On Friday, Nov. 25 -- the busy Black Friday shopping day --  BART Police and partners will hold safety awareness events at Bay Fair and West Oakland stations.

At Bay Fair, tables will be set up with safety information, focusing on particular crimes that tend to increase during the holiday season, when travelers may be extra busy and distracted. Riders are reminded to stay aware of their surroundings at all times and to keep a close hold on their belongings. Electronic device thefts are one of the most common problems, so try to keep your device out of sight – or at least out of easy grasp.

The stepped-up police presence will include safety escorts, with tasks such as accompanying shoppers who travel through the pedestrian walkway that connects the station to the nearby shopping center. "We expect that our safety escorts will be busy during the entire evening commute," said Michele Lazaneo of BART's Community Oriented Policing and Problem-Solving unit. Youth from both BART's and the San Leandro PD's Police Explorer program will also be helping out.

A similar presence will be seen at West Oakland Station. Information tables will be set up, and youth Explorers as well as Community Service Officers will be providing safety escorts for patrons going to their cars. Extra BART Police officers will be on hand, as well as a K-9 unit handler and police dog. 

As always, remember the advice of "If you see something, say something." BART wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season.