Several Merced County law enforcement agencies met in Dos Palos last week to support traffic safety operations.
Eric Zuniga, the California Highway Patrol Merced office spokesman, said the operation is part of County Integrated Traffic Enforcement (CITE).
“Basically, it’s a county-wide strategic plan. We provide extra patrol and alternate in different areas,” Zuniga said. “We provide more cops for a day or two.”
He said the Dos Palos Police Department requested help from CITE. On Thursday Dos Palos Police partnered with the CHP, Los Banos and Atwater police departments to “raise awareness, reduce traffic violations and provide a safer environment for the community.”
Dos Palos Police Chief Dayton Snyder did not return phone calls before press time requesting comment. However, his department did release statistics for the day-long operation. There were 68 stops, including 54 citations issued and 14 warnings given, according to the Dos Palos Police Department.
The added police presence may have assisted in discouraging another problem Dos Palos has faced recently. The city has seen a spike in car burglaries and thefts.
Police said the crimes are often aided by citizens leaving their vehicles unlocked or valuables inside their automobiles in plain sight.
Police are advising the public to consider installing a car alarm or a surveillance system. Law enforcement is also requesting that suspicious activity be reported.
If you see something suspicious or have information related to these car burglaries and thefts, you can contact the Dos Palos Police Department at 209-392-2176.
