Target 11 Investigates Mall Crime

None — For the past 17 months, Target 11 has been tracking crimes at Pittsburgh-area malls in an effort to keep local residents safe.

Target 11 Investigator Rick Earle analyzed the data from the malls, and while the No. 1 crime is retail theft, there are some other far more serious crimes happening at locals malls, he said.

Winnie Vasco was a victim of a mall crime. She said she was changing her 3-year-old son's diaper in the parking lot of the Monroeville Mall last year when she was robbed at gunpoint.

"I just handed her my purse because she had a gun," Vasco told Channel 11 News.

Vasco isn't alone. According to crime statistics obtained by Target 11, since last year, robbers have struck three times at the Monroeville Mall. There have been two robberies at the Mall at Robinson and one at South Hills Village Mall.

Monroeville Mall and the Mall at Robinson also reported seven assaults. Five assaults occurred at South Hills and one at Ross Park, according to the statistics.

Target 11 also tracked purse snatchings and pick pockets. There were 10 reports at the Mall at Robinson. South Hills Village and Monroeville both reported a total of three.

Another popular crime at local malls is thefts from vehicles, the crime statistics show. Robinson Township police responded to 14. Ross Park Mall reported four thefts from vehicles and South Hills had one.

Robinson Township Police Chief Dale Vietmeier told Target 11 that thieves seem to be breaking into one car more often than any other. Vietmeier said the most popular car is the Ford Taurus, but he says he can't explain the attraction.

Shoppers are weighing in on the latest crime statistics.

"The only thing I can say is it makes you think more about it since you gave those stats, and it's scary, " said Kim Cobbs.

"If I were to go to a mall I was unfamiliar with, then I take extra looks around me. I stop and let the person go past me," said shopper Helene Glick.

"Yeah, I'm worried everywhere I go. I always hold on to my bag," said shopper Jessica Tolodziecky.

Ross Park Mall and South Hills Village e-mailed Channel 11 a combined statement that says, "At Ross Park and South Hills Village Malls we are diligent in creating a safe, secure and comfortable shopping environment for our customers, and merchants. We employ an extensive staff of highly trained security officers from one of the premier providers of security services for the shopping center industry. Continuous exterior vehicle patrols, interior foot and Segway patrols, security escorts are among the security elements that may be implemented as part of our holistic approach.

The mall teams also institute a "Tenant Awareness" program which encourages our network of over 150 tenants and their employees to watch for any unusual occurrences, suspicious activity or potential issue and immediately report it to Mall Security. The added vigilance and active participation by our shoppers and retailers greatly magnifies the effectiveness of the program by placing eyes and ears everywhere – both inside and outside the center."

The Mall at Robinson released a statement reading, "We are committed to the safety and well being of our patrons, employees and tenants. We have a very comprehensive security program at our shopping center, which we continually evaluate and look for ways to improve safety and security. When any of our mall employees or tenants observes suspicious activity, we expect them to notify mall security immediately."

"I look at these numbers as good. I think they are reflective of the good job that mall security does and our police do," said Ross Township Police Sgt. Bill Barrett.

Barrett said the numbers for Ross Park Mall are down, but he told Target 11 that it's important for shoppers not to become complacent.

"You don't want to make yourself a victim, so you want to do things to not make yourself an easy mark. Travel in groups, park in well-lighted areas and make sure your packages are in your trunk, and lock your vehicles and keep your purses safe," said Barrett.

Target 11 also spoke with a representative from Monroeville Mall who said they have comprehensive security plans in place.

WPXI