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Mall security is getting tighter
Oakland Tribune ^ | June 24, 2004 | Jennifer Inez Ward

Posted on 6/24/2004, 1:51:29 PM by Cultural Jihad

Mall security is getting tighter

Cameras, increased patrols typical of boosted safety measures

By Jennifer Inez Ward, BUSINESS WRITER

BAY AREA shopping mall personnel are mum on details, but quietly, security measures continue to be upgraded at local sites in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and recently uncovered plot that allegedly targeted a shopping mall in Ohio. From additional security cameras to beefed up patrolling and concrete barriers in front of public spaces, shopping malls have added a number of safety measures.

Security experts said malls have taken mostly behind the scenes steps to make sure they're ready for any potential threat.

The possibility of terrorist acts remains a real threat for shopping malls. With open spaces, easy entrance and a lack of shopper screenings, malls are very vulnerable.

Recently a Somali citizen living in Ohio has been charged by federal prosecutors with planning to bomb a Columbus, Ohio shopping center.

But few specific details on mall security are being discussed publicly.

"We've customized our safety measure here, but we're not in the position to discuss details," said Gayle Speare, senior marketing manager at Southland Mall in Hayward.

Local mall officials almost parrot each other when

describing security measures undertaken since Sept. 11.

"After 9/11, we've put different customized safety measures in place," said Carrie Denniston, marketing manager for NewPark Mall in Newark. "But as far as details, we don't comment about specifics."

Alice Waterman, general manager of Stoneridge in Pleasanton said her mall has restricted access to loading zones and roof structures of the mall.

"We've all been on heightened alert since 9/11," she said.

Malachy Kavanagh, a spokesman for the International Council of Shopping Center, a national trade organization, said since the terrorist attacks, new security measures have been put in place.

"Some of the things being used include barricades in front of entrances to prevent cars crashing through," he said. "restricting parking, and fire lane enforcement."

Kavanagh said most safety measures are going on behind the scenes.

"There's been a lock down of heating and ventilation systems to prevent tampering and (ICSC) has an annual security conference training course for our members," he said.

(Excerpt) Read more at oaklandtribune.com ...


TOPICS: Crime/Corruption; Front Page News; News/Current Events; US: California; War on Terror
KEYWORDS:

1 posted on 6/24/2004, 1:51:30 PM by Cultural Jihad
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To: Cultural Jihad

This highlights the reason why we must fight. If we don't, expect more and more of this everywhere.


2 posted on 6/24/2004, 1:54:27 PM by lormand (Save the Whales? Call a Democrat! Save the World? Call the Republicans)
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To: Cultural Jihad
This should do for retail businesses in malls what TSA screening has done for the airline industry.

Of course, while the mall ninjas are busy trying to spot terrorists to do battle with, they'll be too occupied to stop thefts from autos and muggings in their own parking lots.

3 posted on 6/24/2004, 2:51:35 PM by Wolf_Lochert (Humpty Dumpty was pushed.)
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To: Jeff Head

Hey Jeff...........think they read your book ?

Stay safe !


4 posted on 6/24/2004, 3:10:52 PM by Squantos (Be polite. Be professional. But, have a plan to kill everyone you meet.)
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