Norman Police To Give Holiday Shoppers A Security Eye In The Sky

This holiday season, shoppers in Norman will have a security eye in the sky. The Norman Police Department has acquired a "Skywatch" mobile observation tower, giving them a bird's eye view of businesses and parking lots.

The mobile security tower will be set up for the first time at Sooner Mall in time for Black Friday, November 25. It will provide a more than a 25-five foot high observation platform, which the police department will use to increase security and deter crime.

The police department purchased the slightly used "Skywatch" using federal grant money. It cost $7,500. A new tower retails for around $96,000.

In addition to retail areas, officers intend to deploy the device in other areas of town throughout the year for crime prevention projects, on special occasions and during athletic events.

Police say in addition to the added security, they still urge shoppers to remain diligent and take added precautions while out shopping. Officers suggest shoppers lock their car doors and not leave packages and sacks of merchandise visible in the passenger compartment while shopping.

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