Post-Christmas fights pose security challenges for malls
Shopping malls in Connecticut and beyond are reviewing security policies and procedures following a spate of disturbances during the holiday shopping season that have threatened public safety and brought unwelcome attention to major retail centers during their busiest time of the year.
On Wednesday, the arrest of one juvenile following several of what police described as “disturbances and altercations” forced the closing of the Connecticut Post Mall in Milford 90 minutes earlier than scheduled. The disturbances took place on the day after Christmas, when retail centers are typically jammed with shoppers returning merchandise and searching for deals amid post-Christmas sales.
But the Connecticut Post wasn’t the only mall in Connecticut to experience security issues. Police in Manchester responded to the Shoppes at Buckland Hills Mall for fights involving up to 300 youths, according to a police spokesperson.
Following the Wednesday disturbance, the Milford mall, which was scheduled to stay open until 9 p.m., closed at 7:30 p.m. On the Connecticut Post Mall’s website, it said the Milford mall closed prematurely “due to safety and security reasons.”
The incidents have led some mall owners to revisit security policies and procedures, including some that might restrict access for younger shoppers.
“We are reviewing our policy regarding juvenile patrons and will make any necessary modifications needed to prevent future incidents,” read a statement from the Connecticut Post Mall managers released Thursday.
“Connecticut Post Mall is committed to providing a safe and comfortable environment for all our guests,” said the statement.
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