SWEETWATER, Fla. – As the bustling holiday shopping season descends upon South Florida, the Sweetwater Police Department has initiated a robust security reinforcement, “Operation Safe Holidays,” at the popular Dolphin Mall. The comprehensive initiative, designed to deter crime and ensure shopper safety during the busy period, will remain in effect through the early part of 2026. This intensified security posture, part of the broader Operation Safe Holidays plan, comes on the heels of a brazen robbery that occurred within the mall earlier this week, highlighting the immediate need for heightened vigilance and effective mall crime prevention.
Operation Safe Holidays: Enhanced Security Measures Deployed
“Operation Safe Holidays,” now in its third consecutive year, represents a significant commitment by the Sweetwater Police Department to maintain order and security during one of the busiest retail periods of the year. Police Chief Sergio Diez has declared a “zero tolerance” policy for any criminal activity within the mall’s premises, vowing that his officers are “ready” to respond swiftly to any incidents during this holiday shopping safety initiative.
The operation involves a multi-faceted approach, significantly increasing police presence both visibly and covertly. Shoppers will notice additional uniformed officers patrolling the mall, complemented by undercover officers blending into the crowds to identify potential threats. To bolster these efforts, the department has deployed advanced technology, including electronic bikes, drones for aerial surveillance, and a sophisticated network of over 80 cameras, alongside a robust license plate reader system as part of the Operation Safe Holidays strategy.
A key component of “Operation Safe Holidays” is a mobile command center, nicknamed “Big Bear,” strategically stationed at the mall. This advanced hub serves as a physical operations center, allowing for real-time monitoring of camera feeds, decision-making during critical incidents, and seamless coordination among officers. Equipped with data-driven capabilities and a Starlink system for uninterrupted connectivity, the command center ensures officers have immediate access to vital information and resources. Chief Diez assured the public that if suspicious activity is reported via 911, a response is guaranteed “within a minute”.
Preceding Robbery Fuels Security Push During Operation Safe Holidays
The announcement of “Operation Safe Holidays” closely follows a violent robbery incident that occurred inside Dolphin Mall on Thursday evening. According to police reports, two men attacked a shopper in his 60s near the Burlington store, stealing jewelry valued at approximately $3,000. The suspects, identified as Jairo Morales and Jacob Morales, allegedly assaulted the victim before fleeing the scene, a crime that underscores the importance of this year’s holiday shopping safety focus and highlights the risks associated with retail crime trends.
Investigators stated that the stolen jewelry was subsequently sold at a local pawnshop for the same amount. The two alleged assailants, along with Cherry Gomez and Bastian Rojas, then reportedly fled in a white 2025 BMW X6. Following a traffic stop by police at Southwest 57th Avenue and Second Street, all four individuals were apprehended. During the arrest, officers discovered additional jewelry and approximately $31,636 in cash within the vehicle, a discovery made possible through intensified policing efforts under Dolphin Mall security.
Jairo Morales, 21, faces charges including strong-arm robbery, dealing in stolen property, and battery. Jacob Morales, 26, is charged with strong-arm robbery. Cherry Gomez, 28, and Bastian Rojas are charged as accessories after the fact. All four are being held on immigration detainers. A judge ordered the suspects to remain at least 500 feet away from the victim, a measure typical for serious offenses and part of the overall mall crime prevention strategy during Operation Safe Holidays.
Holiday Crime Trends and Shopper Safety Amidst Operation Safe Holidays
The increased security measures at Dolphin Mall are particularly relevant given the national trend of rising retail crime during the holiday season. Reports indicate that the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas sees a significant uptick in incidents such as shoplifting, larceny, and robbery, as opportunistic criminals target busy shopping environments. The recent jewelry robbery spike is a stark reminder of these risks, making the deployment of Operation Safe Holidays crucial. Miami-Dade Police have also noted that the high volume of transactions during this period increases the risk of identity theft and credit card fraud.
In light of these concerns, authorities are urging shoppers to remain vigilant and take proactive steps to ensure their safety and protect their purchases. Shoppers are advised to lock their vehicles and avoid leaving any valuables visible inside. It is recommended to keep merchandise with you at all times and, if possible, shop with a companion, especially after dark. These are crucial tips for holiday shopping safety.
Financial safety is also paramount. Police recommend paying with credit cards rather than debit cards, as credit cards offer stronger fraud protection and do not directly impact immediate bank account funds in case of compromise. Shoppers are also cautioned to never let their credit card out of their sight during transactions and to be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. This advice is central to the Operation Safe Holidays program.
Authorities encourage shoppers to report any suspicious activity immediately by dialing 911, emphasizing that “If you see something, say something”. By working together, the Sweetwater Police Department and the community aim to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday shopping experience at Dolphin Mall, a significant retail destination in the Miami area. This news is trending across local Miami outlets, highlighting community safety efforts and the effectiveness of initiatives like Operation Safe Holidays.
A Commitment to Safety Through Operation Safe Holidays
Sweetwater Police Chief Sergio Diez expressed confidence in the operation’s effectiveness, stating that “In the last two years, we’ve been able to make this one of the safest malls in the United States”. The presence of additional law enforcement, coupled with advanced technology and a “zero tolerance” approach, aims to provide a secure environment for everyone visiting Dolphin Mall throughout the remainder of the year and into the start of 2026. This proactive stance underscores the department’s commitment to protecting shoppers and combating crime during the critical holiday shopping season, making Operation Safe Holidays a vital annual program for Miami shopping security.
