Austin police are working overtime to keep you safe this shopping season.

Staying true to Black Friday tradition, stores dropped prices and shoppers took advantage of the deals. At many shopping centers police stayed behind in the parking lots to keep thieves from getting a five finger discount.

Armed with what looks like a stack of tickets, officers like Angela Schouest inspected each car at Barton Creek Mall often finding multiple items that would entice a thief.

Xelina Flores-Chasnoff didn't pass. "She found that I had a purse out. I wasn't thinking of that while I was walking in, but then you know I realize, ‘oh my goodness.’” Flores-Chasnoff said.

Officers also made sure to recognize the spotless cars.

“If they've done a good job in taking their items, hid them and locked up their vehicles then we write good job," Schouest said.

Christina Chang was one of the exceptions, “It makes me feel good."

"We can't be everywhere every time. But if we can make you aware so that you can help us help you that's what we want to do," Schoest said.

At the Mueller Development in Central East Austin officers were just as visible riding bikes and driving patrol cars through parking lots with their red and blue lights flashing.

"We just want to have a very strong presence," Sgt. Robert Jones said.

The parking lot patrols will continue across the city this holiday shopping season. Officers are warning the crooks, they will not always be so visible.

"We actually set dummy cars up bait vehicles up with property in them and if you're trying to commit a theft you never know when we may be sitting around the corner waiting for you," Jones said.

Patrols will continue until one week after the new year giving us all time to make those Christmas returns safely.