EL PASO, Texas -- On Black Friday, shopping was in full force at Cielo Vista Mall in east El Paso.

“We’re here to shop,” said Tony Mendoza.

As KFOX news crew members strolled around the mall Friday, they found many people with bags in their hands.

“Well most of them are gifts, games and shoes, clothes,” said Josie Parra.

But while some are in the holiday spirit to shop, others may have the spirit of Scrooge, to steal.

“We tend to enhance both security and police presence at both of the malls,” said CindyFoght, marketing and public relations director for Cielo Vista Mall and Sunland Park Mall.

When KFOX crews first arrived at the mall they saw several El Paso Police officers and mall security guards standing on high stands in the parking lot overlooking the area.

Perhaps the beefed up security paid off. KFOX cameras were rolling when a police officer walked by escorting a young man in handcuffs. The officer said it was for shoplifting.

Parra said if someone tries to steal the gifts she just bought, they will pay.

“I will punch their face, I will do whatever it takes,” said Parra.

Several other people were seen around the mall guarding their bags and not letting them out of their sight.

“When the economy is bad then people are desperate, so they will go through any means to get their basic needs met,” said Traci Schott, who said she is being cautious with what she buys.

And some shoppers say don’t get caught up in the sale signs.

“With the high volume of people right now shopping, I think there’s definitely more distraction. I think you need to be a little more cautious when you’re looking around, looking at the bargains,” said Steve Hernandez.