NORTHRIDGE : LAPD Opens Mall Office to Cut Crime

The Los Angeles Police Department opened a new office Monday at the Northridge Fashion Center to help deter crime at the mall.

“The people who own the mall . . . and the Police Department realized that we needed a better facility to meet the increasing demand that crime was putting on us at the location,” said Police Capt. Vance Proctor.

Currently two police officers from the Devonshire Division are assigned to the mall, which is also patrolled by private security guards.

“The number of people attending the mall has been steadily increasing over the years,” Proctor said. The increase in attendance has brought an increase in “the traditional problems” associated with malls, such as shoplifting, car theft and burglary from vehicles.

“There is a tremendous number of shoplifting arrests made at the mall,” Proctor said. The number of gang members frequenting the mall has also increased, he said.

The new police office is on the lower level between J.C. Penney and Sears, near the main entrance, said Marianne Shannon, marketing director for the mall.

“What we hope is that our presence will deter and prevent crime,” Proctor said.