Police Beefing Up Patrols for a Busy Woodinville Weekend

One of the biggest wine events of the year, the . The popular event brings thousands of wine enthusiasts to the area. But that’s not all that’s happening in Woodinville. There’s the , the , , the . Plus more people than usual out and about buying Christmas Trees and holiday gifts.

Unfortunately, the Woodinville’s temporary swell in population this weekend, there could be an increase in crime and misdemeanors. To keep the public safe, the Woodinville Police Department will have extra officers patrolling this weekend as a precaution, according to police chief Sydney Jackson.

Despite the throngs that flock to Woodinville wineries, the city’s drunken driving incidents are relatively small, Jackson said. Only five people have been cited for driving under the influence since from January to September, Jackson said.

The wineries are doing their share to keep tipsy guests from driving by offering a shuttle this year so guests can focus on drinking and not driving. For more information on the shuttle service click here.

Another potential problem this weekend may be an increase in car prowls, thieves breaking into cars to snatch purses, GPS systems and shopping bags. Jackson suggests a few simple steps to keep cars uninteresting to thieves and yourself safe:

• Don't drink and drive
• Lock your car
• Do not leave purses or other valuables in plain site (make use those purse straps are tucked away)
• Don’t stuff valuables under a coat; thieves will assume something good is hidden under that coat
• Park as close to the entrance of a store as possible or park under a light at night
• Keep packages, purse, GPS systems (inducing the mounts if possible) in the trunk
• Assume thieves are watching: Don’t park and then move valuables, stop away from where you plan to shop and move the things to the trunk
• Use flags to cross the street where provided