Nassau and Suffolk police say they have stepped up patrols to keep shoppers safe during the holiday season.
Police say they are watching malls and shopping centers, specifically. While malls are considered soft targets for terrorism, police say there have been no specific threats.
However, there are concerns about safety. On Christmas Eve 2013, shoppers panicked at Roosevelt Field when a shoplifter knocked over a glass display case and people thought shots had been fired. Last year, a few days before Christmas, a shot was fired at that mall during an attempted robbery.
News 12 Long Island's Eileen Lehpamer headed out to Garden City with Nassau police on Thursday for a firsthand look at what they are doing.
Members of the Bureau of Special Operations were walking through malls, interacting with customers and reminding people they are out there and watching. Nassau County police also had its mounted patrols on duty.
Authorities are reminding people to be careful with their ATM cards, and to make sure there are no skimming devices on the machines. Officials also tell people to check their credit and bank statements for possible fraud.
Detectives want to remind residents not to leave anything in cars in plain sight. Holiday packages should also be placed in the trunk.
Police say it's important for residents to always be aware of their surroundings, and if they see something, say something.