The Memphis Police Department is using some high-tech tools to fight crime around city shopping centers.

Officers are using Skycop surveillance cameras and mobile watchtowers called Skytowers to watch over parking lots at malls and shopping centers around Memphis.

"When we put one of these systems up the crime around it generally dries up and we have zero incidents to occur within a half mile around the system," Deputy Chief Jim Harvey said.

The city of Southaven, Miss., is also using SkyCops to keep a close eye on criminals during the holiday shopping season.

Officers watch for suspicious activity and dispatch patrol cars to respond to crimes.  Supervisors can watch multiple live video feeds remotely from their police cruisers.  Department leaders said that give them an advantage in the field.

"I think we've probably got one of the best video systems in the country," Harvey added.

Police are also reminding people to take steps to protect themselves and their valuables. You shouldn't leave anything in your car when you're shopping.