On July 15, 1999 officers from the Crime Prevention Unit conducted a Stop Tobacco Access to Kids Enforcement (STAKE) survey in the Western Division of San Jose. A total of 44 stores were contacted which resulted in the arrest / citation of 6 store clerks for violation of 308 b of the California Penal Code - Sales of tobacco products to persons under the age of 18.

The survey showed a 7% increase in the sales of tobacco products to minors as compared to the last study conducted in February of 1999. The San Jose Police Department will continue to conduct periodic surveys throughout the city in the upcoming months.

Anyone who has information regarding the illegal sales of tobacco products to minors is encouraged to contact the San Jose Police Deptartment Crime Prevention Unit at 277-4133 or the Crime Stoppers tip line at 947-STOP.