Northlake Mall announces enhanced security measures

GOOGLE IMAGES

Northlake Mall announced Monday the addition of enhanced security measures after a recent series of violent confrontations at the shopping center.

More off-duty police, K-9 patrols and firearm detectors are coming to Northlake Mall.

Mall management announced Monday the addition of five security measures to address concerns after three shootings over a 75-day stretch. The shopping center will collaborate with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police on measures that include:

• Increased staffing and visibility of off-duty police patrols during retail hours

• Escorted K-9 Patrol and Firearm Detection Unit

• Public view monitors at Northlake’s entrances and high-traffic areas

• Upgrades for more than 140 closed-circuit cameras inside and outside the mall with enhanced surveillance capabilities

• Addition of state of the art vehicle recognition technology at mall entrances that cross references with CMPD programs

The changes will be implemented as early as April.

“We have been proactively working with the CMPD to ensure the safety of our retailers, employees, and customers while working to prevent these events from happening in the future,” said Carmen Spinoso, chairman and CEO of Spinoso Real Estate Group, which manages the  million-square-foot shopping center. “We stand in partnership with our valued retailers in prioritizing the safety and well-being of mall employees and the shoppers who enjoy our retail experience – and will continue to ensure that anyone who enters the mall can do so comfortably.”

The enhanced measures are in addition to other mall policies that have been in place, including onsite security; requiring adult supervision on Fridays and Saturdays after 3 p.m for anyone under age 17 and regular active shooter training for retailers and their employees.

CMPD in recent weeks confirmed it has been working with mall officials to improve security on the campus.

“Northlake Mall has been a vigilant and dedicated partner on these incidents in ensuring a safe environment for our community,” Police Chief Johnny Jennings recently said in a statement. “They are working with CMPD on several safety measures. Public safety remains our top priority, and we look to our continued work with the mall, area businesses, community members, and others as we address these incidents.”

Northlake has 140 retailers including Dillard’s, Macy’s and Belk and AMC’s cinema, but recently lost Apple, which closed its store earlier this month. Dick’s Sporting Goods closed its shop in 2021.
 

Comments