Security at malls stepped up ahead of shopping season

More people will be heading to shopping malls, and more security will be on hand as well.

“We get a lot of requests for off-duty officers,” said Lt. Catherine Buckley, with the Colorado Springs Police Department.

From now until the end of the year, shopping malls typically hire officers during their time off to help patrol and increase a visible presence in stores.

The theory is by making police more visible, it will curb shoplifting, which typically increases over the holiday season.

Colorado Springs police also released a public service announcement with tips to keep shoppers and their belongings safe.