Police ramping up patrols for holiday shopping season

ATLANTA (FOX 5 Atlanta) - If you were out and about Friday night, you might have had plenty of company – especially if you were in Buckhead.

The hustle and bustle of December made everything jam-packed in and around prime shopping areas. And add a dose of the soccer championship crowd and you have plenty for mall security and police to watch over. 

Phipps Plaza and Lenox Square, the two big Buckhead malls, the Atlanta Police Department is working and sharing surveillance info.

"Throughout December we are deploying additional resources into the field to assist in traffic and safety for our citizens," APD Officer Stephanie Brown said.

Shoppers got an early start on deals because thanksgiving came earlier. So the city began is security coverage plan a little earlier.

Officer Brown said that you should be aware of your surroundings so that you stay safe while shopping.

"If you are out shopping, don't flash money around. Be discrete," she said. "If you're putting items in your vehicle make sure you're doing it out of the public's eye."