SUNRISE, FLA. (WSVN) - Once they wrapped up their Thanksgiving meals, South Floridians headed to local malls in big numbers, and police said they have taken steps to ensure their shopping experience is safe.
7News cameras captured several uniformed police officers patrolling Dolphin Mall in Sweetwater, Thursday afternoon.
Bargain hunters who have been shopping since the mall opened its doors in the morning approved of the heightened security.
“It makes me feel very protected,” said shopper Marissa Patrick.
“We’re going to be here throughout the weekend,” said Sweetwater Police Officer Jonathan Arche.
Cameras captured officers using new drones to get a bird’s-eye view of the mall exterior and parking lots.
“We’re going to be looking for specific behavior to target any wannabe criminals who think that they can prey on our citizens or anybody who’s coming here to the mall to shop,” said Arche.
Police said their goal is providing a safe shopping experience, and they’re doing so by deploying dozens of officers searching for any illegal activity.
“We have officers who are in uniform, and we have officers, obviously, who are in plain clothes,” said Arche.
Arche described how many thieves scope out parking lots in their search for merchandise to steal.
“They’ll shop with these big suitcases, they’ll get everything inside, and then they’ll walk back to their car, and they’ll put it in their car. What they don’t know is that a lot of the time, they’re being watched,” he said. “They’re being watched by people who are waiting for them to put all their valuable stuff in the car, go back inside and enjoy a few more hours of shopping, and that’s when they get hit, and it’s unfortunate.”
That’s why shoppers said they welcome the extra security, to make sure the deals and steals are done the right way.
“Everybody feels safe with the police around. It just deters shoplifting,” said a shopper.
“Absolutely. I mean, they’re always on duty, when it’s something crazy, you know, ’cause anything can always happen,” said a shopper.
“We have customers from all over the world. Like, we’re from a small Caribbean island, and seeing [police] here gives you a sense of security,” said Patrick. “It’s very welcome, especially at this time of the year.”
Cameras also captured long lines at Sawgrass Mills Mall in Sunrise, Thursday morning.
When asked whether the pre-Black Friday discounts merited braving holiday crowds, shopper Mertinique Sanders replied, “Absolutely not, but it’s always worth the fun.”
While the bargains may not be the main draw for shoppers, they still poured into retailers across South Florida.
“If we saved any more, we’d have made money tonight,” said Sawgrass Mills shopper Joe Clinton.
Through the years, for some Floridians and out-of-state visitors, shopping has become a big part of Thanksgiving.
“It’s just fun. It’s just great deals,” said a man in one of Sawgrass Mills’ parking lots.
An atypical Turkey Day for some is the norm for others.
“We usually come here for vacation every year, so we try to get out and catch some of the bargains,” said Caprece Clinton.
Sawgrass Mills saw a steady stream throughout the day.
While some ate before going to the mall, others made alternate dinner plans.
“Eating later, resting, sitting on the couch,” said Sanders.
“We’re checking out the restaurants right now. It’s time to eat, turkey or no turkey,” said Caprece.
“I didn’t give it up. I postponed it,” said Dadeland Mall shopper.
When asked what he was looking to by, the shopper replied, “I came out today to purchase my first suit.”
Because the deals were so good, they had to try to snatch up those hot items ahead of Black Friday crowds.
Those looking for appliances and electronics stood in line outside of the BrandsMart in Miami Gardens long before the store even opened.
“It’s Thanksgiving, Black Friday. It’s the day today. All the excitement, I mean, it’s rocking right now,” said BrandsMart USA spokesperson Francisco Lozano.
Shopper Eric Leon revealed his master plan to nab everything on his list.
“We’re gonna go ahead and put on some skates. That’s the first thing we’re gonna do,” he said. “Then we’re gonna skate the whole store so that nobody will beat us to the items that we want to collect.”
When asked why he came early, once customer replied, “Because we knew that the [better] deals were going to be really early, so we’ve got to take advantage, plus we need a new stove. 911.”
The Best Buy in Hialeah was also packed.
“Just trying to get ahead of the other people,” said one shopper. “Just wanted a TV for a friend.”
For shoppers at Dolphin Mall, it was a day filled with food, fun and anticipation of the frenzy.
When asked to list the items she bought, shopped Tyonasha Taylor said, “Sneakers, track suit for my boyfriend, a headset and a Bluetooth.”
“We’re getting, like, shirts, maybe some cameras, something for our family,” said shopper Daniela Tobar.
One shopper said it always pays to plan ahead.
“If you just go out of the house and expect to get something, no. You have to plan,” she said.
When asked what she’s thankful this Thanksgiving, she replied, “We’re thankful for our family. We’re blessed this year that we get to participate in Black Friday every year. We’re thankful because the spending can get out of control.”
Other shoppers said they’re bracing for even larger crowds on Black Friday.
Javier, who is visiting from Argentina, said he already has his Friday mapped out.
“We have to have breakfast first, get stronger and then shopping,” he said.
Sawgrass Mills will be closing at 1 a.m. on Friday and reopening at 7 a.m. The Dolphin Mall will close at midnight and reopen Friday at 8 a.m. For additional mall hours, click here.
Officials said shoppers can expect to see a heavy police presence across South Florida malls from now until Sunday.
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