LEONARDTOWN, Md. (Dec. 1, 2025) — The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office will increase patrols across the county throughout the 2025 holiday season to deter crime, enhance traffic violations and provide visible law enforcement presence in shopping districts, residential neighborhoods and major roadways.
Deputies will concentrate on preventing thefts from vehicles, package thefts and other property crimes that typically rise during the shopping-heavy period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Extra units will be deployed during peak retail hours at locations such as the First Colony Shopping Center in California, San Souci Plaza in California, and the Leonardtown and Charlotte Hall commercial corridors.
Traffic safety is also a primary focus. Patrols will target impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving and seat-belt violations along heavily traveled routes including Maryland Route 235, Route 5, Route 4 and Route 245.
Sheriff’s Office officials urged residents and visitors to protect themselves by locking vehicles, removing or concealing valuables, securing delivered packages quickly, and staying alert while shopping or traveling.
Suspicious activity should be reported immediately by calling the non-emergency line at 301-475-8008. For emergencies, dial 911.
The department reminded the public of several ways to submit anonymous tips:
- Text 847411 – begin the message with “SMCSO” followed by a space and the information
- Submit online at www.FirstSheriff.com/tips
- Use the free St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office mobile app, available on Apple App Store and Google Play
- Call St. Mary’s County Crime Solvers at 301-475-3333
Tips provided through Crime Solvers that lead to an arrest may qualify for a cash reward, and callers never have to identify themselves.
The heightened enforcement and visibility campaign will continue through early January 2026.