Shelby County, TN – Holiday shoppers across Shelby County saw an increased law enforcement presence this Christmas season as the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office wrapped up its annual Operation Jingle Bells on Friday.
According to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, the four-week operation began Friday, November 28, and continued through Friday, December 26, with deputies assigned to high-traffic shopping areas and major roadways throughout the county.
The annual initiative, which has been in place for more than 20 years, is designed to increase visibility during the busy holiday shopping season and deter crimes such as vehicle break-ins and shoplifting. Deputies conducted more than 5,000 business checks in shopping corridors including Wolfchase, Canada Road, Houston Levee, Highway 64, Winchester, Hacks Cross, and Shelby Drive. Patrols also extended into unincorporated areas of the county, including Lakeland and Arlington.
During the operation, deputies focused on patrolling parking lots, engaging with store employees and management, and stepping up traffic enforcement to improve safety for shoppers and drivers. Officials say the effort helped maintain traffic flow and reduce criminal activity in crowded retail areas.
Sheriff’s Office statistics show that in 2025 alone, deputies logged 5,018 business checks, made 1,878 civilian contacts, issued 517 traffic courtesy citations, and conducted 62 drone flights. The operation also led to one felony arrest and the recovery of a stolen motor vehicle.
Sheriff Floyd Bonner Jr. credited the success of the operation to cooperation among agencies, including the Memphis Police Department, Bartlett, Collierville, Germantown, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
“Thank you to all of our deputies who worked additional hours to help keep our citizens safe during the holidays,” Bonner said in a statement.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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