CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The holiday shopping season brings thousands of cars and thousands of shoppers to area malls.
"Everybody is focused on shopping and the best deals possible." said Deon James a store employee.
This is also a busy time of the year for security professionals who want to make sure that shoppers have a safe time.
"It's obviously very important the safety and security of our customers and tenets is of the utmost importance to us," said Philip Morosco the General Manager of Northlake Mall.
Morosco allowed NBC Charlotte to have a look at some of the security measures he has in place.
The mall has doubled the number of private security officers and there is a strong contingent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers on site.
"We have officers out patrolling in cars we have some undercover surveillance officers that are out in the area were trying to do everything we can to have an impact," said Lt Steve Huber of the North Division.
The mall also has sophisticated camera system that watches the interior and parking lots.
But officers say it's important to play your part and take responsibility.
"Always aware of my surroundings I had an incident way back earlier in my life so I'm pretty much aware of what goes on around me," said Debbie Stewart a shopper.
