Local law enforcement officers will be working this holiday weekend to make sure people have a safe Thanksgiving while traveling and making sure their homes are protected while they’re gone.

In an effort to enforce traffic laws and reduce traffic crashes, the Mississippi Highway Patrol will participate in Operation Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort during the holiday period that begins at 6 p.m. Wednesday and concludes at midnight on Sunday.

As part of Operation CARE, all available troopers will be assigned to saturation patrols to combat speeding and distracted driving issues. Safety checkpoints will also be set up during the period to remove impaired drivers from the roadways and promote seat belt usage.

During the same period in 2016, MHP investigated 171 crashes with two fatalities and made 67 DUI arrests on state and federal highways. In Troop E, which includes Lafayette County, troopers made 13 arrests for people driving under the influence and investigated 13 wrecks.

There were no fatal wrecks in Oxford during the Thanksgiving weekend in 2016.

“We are asking motorists to join with us in making the roadways safer in Mississippi and to include safe driving as part of their traveling plans,” said MHP Capt. Johnny Poulos.

In 2016, OPD officers investigated 27 wrecks and made five arrests for DUI.

With most University of Mississippi students out of town for the holiday and the annual Egg Bowl between Ole Miss and Mississippi State taking place in Starkville Saturday, the Oxford Police Department is putting a focus on keeping people’s home safe from burglars.

“We transition our patrol style during the Thanksgiving week to focus on foot patrols, business checks and burglaries,” said OPD Maj. Jeff McCutchen. “You will see officers out more on foot and driving through neighborhoods.”