Seven of the largest malls in the Portland area were hit by over 400 crimes from November 28, 2013 to January 1, 2014 as reported by KATU, December 18, 2014.
One center reported 113 crimes, which included four car prowls and seven hit and runs.
Another center had a total 105 crimes in and around the mall. Some of the crimes included six car thefts, which was the most of any other mall in the Portland area. One center has an open air garage with many dark spaces. These type of garages tend to invite crime such as stolen vehicles, hit and runs, assaults, drug offenses and theft.
An additional shopping center reported 71 crimes, which included 34 shoplifting cases, eight vandalism cases, and five cases of fraud during the holiday season.
One mall reported 36 crimes during this holiday period with one case of indecent exposure, two reports of stolen cars and three car break-ins.
The other three malls reported similar incidents with shoplifting, auto theft, and vandalism.
Video surveillance cameras in shopping malls can help deter thieves by their presence. They also reduce the chances of violence, child abduction and other criminal acts with proper monitoring. Customer confidence rises when people know that security is enforced. This can increase mall or shopping center traffic as well as revenue for the mall and/or shopping center.
There are a few things to consider to strategically place and set up video surveillance in a shopping center. Where are the restricted areas, parking areas, passageways, delivery and loading docks and any stairs that are accessible? What criminal activity in the shopping mall has happened in the past? Video surveillance cameras can protect tenants, enhance security, and help provide a safer shopping experience for consumers.
Stealth Monitoring is a security industry leader in live video surveillance with over 9,000 video cameras watched nationwide. Stealth proactive video monitoring can detect and deter crime in cities in the U.S. and Canada while reducing security guard and other expenses. Stealth’s virtual security guard service can reduce or even replace security guards at a fraction of the cost. A remote surveillance Stealth operator can see unusual activity, activate a speaker warning to deter criminals, and call the local police.
Please call toll-free (866) 382-3873 or contact Stealth today for more information to protect your property. Visit our web site to see actual videos of criminals being apprehended at a range of commercial businesses.
