TULSA – More than 50 Tulsa County deputies plan to be on patrol at this year’s Tulsa State Fair after taking a year off from keeping watch at the 2015 fair.
Those working at the fair, like Ray Koch, say setting up their booths feels safer with the deputies close by.
"The more the better. I feel real secure,” said Bierocks Owner Ray Koch.
He said he relies on sheriff's deputies to keep his stand safe.
"It helps us feel a lot better about security, because we do have a lot of money invested in our concessions and it just I think holds it down on criminal mischief,” said Koch.
This year it won't be too hard finding a deputy at the fair.
"When we're looking around we're just making sure everyone's having a good time and looking for things that are out of the ordinary. Things that a normal fairgoer wouldn't be doing are the things we're looking for,” said Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office Cpt. Ernie Mendenhall.
They said most of the crimes at the fair are crimes of opportunity for thieves.
"We encourage you to lock up your car. If you're going to leave valuables in your car don't leave them in plain view,” said Cpt. Mendenhall.
Koch said along with keeping his stand safe, the deputies make great customers.
"They come by and buy food all the time,” said Koch.
The Tulsa State Fair averages one million people within 11 days.
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