Security measures are being increased in Hempstead Village for the religious holidays in response to rash of hate crimes.

Hempstead Village officials say they are on high alert after violence and hate crimes have hit the Island and other states around the holidays.

One instance they say was on Christmas in 2018, where a 35-year-old father was fatally shot on Terrace Avenue in Hempstead in what police say was gang-related gunfire.

Another incident was the more recent shooting in Jersey City, where four people were killed, including a detective. Authorities say the attack was driven by hatred of Jews and law enforcement.

As a precaution, Hempstead officials say they are stepping up patrols in shopping areas and houses of worship for the holiday season.

“We have a car that's been assigned, called the holiday car. It's going to be an unmarked vehicle with two officers that will be patrolling our retail area and houses of worship,” says Hempstead Village Trustee Wayland Hobbs.

“We're also going to have our command unit at different retail locations as a security measure,” he adds.

Hobbs also says the recent incidents of hate messages being scrawled on the property of the Holocaust Remembrance and Tolerance Center in Glen Cove have played a role in prompting the village to increase patrols.

Village officials say there will also be DWI patrols during the holiday season. They are urging people not to drink and drive.