Shopping Centers and Strip Malls

SMSI Staff Writer

05.01.03

Shopping centers have to be concerned with both exterior as well as interior security. Because of the kind of business conducted in shopping malls, there is virtually no access management, which in turn, produces vulnerability. Public safety issues are of great concern not only for liability reasons, but malls that develop a reputation for criminal activity loose traffic and, eventually, tenants.

Shopping centers are among the most likely targets of security litigation. SMSI has frequently been retained for their security expertise in litigation growing out of mall security incidents.

One of the major challenges is to balance the use of lighting, CCTV, and uniformed security personnel in a manner that provides the maximum deterrence to crime. Frequently, lawsuits result from the inadequate and/or improper use of these three methodologies.

In the course of SMSI's Self Help Security Workshops, the attendee will learn ways to maximize the benefits of existing resources already in place. Unfortunately, the prevailing tendency is to wait for an adverse event before implementing risk reduction strategies. The events of 9/11/01 have taught us that we cannot afford to wait for a tragedy.