MALL CRIME

There is growing concern both locally and nationally that shopping centers, once considered a haven for safe shopping, have become easy pickings for thieves. However, Dallas mall security forces are working hard to stay ahead of the game. Most authorities agree, though, that the first line of defense is with the shopper.

“A heightened awareness on the part of the shopper is essential,” says Billy Hines, general manager at NorthPark Center, where he says there has been a 30 percent drop in the incidence of crime this year. “Part of our job is making up for a more relaxed attitude on the part of the shopper. Obviously we think NorthPark is a safe place, but crime can happen anywhere.”

Frequent visitors to NorthPark will notice security personnel on the roof with telephoto lenses as well as mounted officers patrolling the grounds.

Another concrete result of this security consciousness is the Metroplex Security Directors Association, to which most major shopping centers belong. MSDA serves as a central clearinghouse for information about mall crimes. Known offenders who cruise parking lots can be identified with the shared information that comes from MSDA, says Linda Kirk, marketing director at Valley View Center.

According to Deputy Chief of Police Marlin Price, many shopping centers are dealing with professional criminals who haunt the malls for specific reasons. This more “focused” type of crime is reflected in police statistics. In December 1986, a peak shopping month, thirty cases of auto part theft were reported at the city’s five largest malls. In September 1987, there were seventy-three. The city had fewer overall crimes at malls, but crimes that are more peculiar to malls-assault and auto part theft (T-tops, hood ornaments, and hubcaps), for instance-rose by 18 percent.

Both Hines and Kirk say that their centers will also have augmented security to handle the increased traffic of the Christmas rush. “Try and shop in pairs,” says Kirk. “If you want someone to walk you to your car, feel free to ask. Do the basics, such as hav ing your keys ready when you get to your car.” Hines points out that most malls, including NorthPark, now have several blue security phones in their parking ramps and he encourages shoppers to use them. “Our security people have equipment for most situations. Don’t feel you need to ask a stranger.”-Dan Baldwin