FRESHWATER, FLA. (WSVN) – The holiday season is fast approaching and Sweetwater police are preparing to take on the Grinches who are looking to steal.

Officials held their annual news conference at Dolphin Mall Friday to warn shoppers about the dangers of picking up items at the mall before the holidays.

“Unfortunately, there are people who like to victimize residents and visitors who come to buy here,” said Sweetwater Mayor Jose “Pepe” Diaz.

Officials launched their safety initiative, dubbed Operation Safe Holidays, for the second year in a row as part of an effort to keep shoppers safe.

This year, police announced they would increase their police presence and use drones to roam the mall.

“The difference this year is we’re going to add more police presence and more security,” Sweetwater Police Chief Sergio Diaz said. “I’m going to have undercover agents. You won’t see them, but they will see you.

Officers said the woman seen window shopping or the father waiting for his wife outside a store could actually be an undercover agent looking out for the safety of shoppers.

“We’re going to have officers in uniform, we’re going to have officers on motorcycles,” Sergio said.

Police also offered tips for shoppers to keep in mind as they begin their holiday shopping spree. They suggested that if shoppers see something, to say something, they should always watch their belongings, such as wallets and purses, and never leave packages in their car.

“We are monitoring and we have zero tolerance,” Sergio said.

Detectives said the mall is equipped with license plate readers, allowing them to know exactly who is inside the mall.

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