The Parsons Police Department is taking extra precautions this holiday season in an effort to deter crime and assist shoppers.

Patrols will begin Friday and run through New Years Eve in the parking lots of the Walgreens, Walmart, King Cash Saver and the downtown areas on a random patrol basis.

Officers will be available to assist shoppers with such things as keeping shoppers safe from theft, helping them find their car, jump-starting their car if the battery is dead, changing a flat tire, assisting employees and shoppers by walking them to their car after dark or any other assistance they can provide.