California Mall Bans Minors Unless Accompanied by Adult
A California mall that has been repeatedly targeted by juvenile flash mobs is implementing a new policy to support safety and security.
The Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance, Calif. announced the implementation of a youth supervision program this week. Beginning Mar. 1, all mall visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or adult age 21 or older after 3 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
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“We are establishing a Youth Supervision Policy as an enhancement to our existing safety plan and to deter activity that is disruptive to our community,” Simon Property Group, the mall’s owner, said in a statement. “The program is in response to feedback from the community and community leaders, as the center reinforces its commitment to the community to provide a pleasant, family friendly shopping environment.”
According to Simon, minors may be asked to produce “acceptable proof of age” like a state-issued driver’s license, ID card, military ID, school ID or passport by mall associates. Those that fail to provide identification or flout the policy will be asked to leave the property.
One adult may accompany up to four minors, and they must remain together at all times. Adults are responsible for the actions of all of the youth they accompany, the group said. While store employees under the age of 18 will be permitted to work during the regulated hours, they must adhere to the policy when their shifts end.
“Del Amo Fashion Center is among the most protected properties in the area, and we take very seriously our responsibility to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for our shoppers, employees and retailers,” a spokesperson for Simon Property Group told Sourcing Journal Friday. “We continuously invest in our industry-leading safety and security program, and the introduction of a Youth Supervision Program is the latest step in those efforts.”
The Del Amo Fashion Center’s announcement comes after months of escalation in organized retail crime.
Incidents of shoplifting ramped up over the holiday months and culminated in a flash mob on the evening of Dec. 30. About 1,000 teens descended upon the mall, prompting a massive police response. Dozens of police cruisers blocked off nearby thoroughfares and fleeing teens scuffled with law enforcement. Two individuals sustained injuries, including a police officer. Ultimately, five youths were arrested at the scene.
“We have entered a very sad state when youth visit our community and cause harm and havoc,” Torrance Mayor George K. Chen said at the time. “Crimes committed by youth or adults that are pre-planned and organized to loot and destroy property are not acceptable. Our criminal justice system must address these crimes so we don’t have these events repeated without serious consequences.”
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