SALISBURY - The Centre at Salisbury Mall is grappling with shoplifting incidents as holiday shoppers flood stores. The U.S. Department of Justice warns of an uptick in shoplifting during the festive season, and the mall is actively addressing the impact on both businesses and security.
Some individuals are taking advantage of the holiday crowds to engage in theft. The Centre at Salisbury acknowledges a seasonal increase in shoplifting and has collaborated with Salisbury Police for additional security measures. But Mall General Manager Paul Tomaszewski highlights the limitations they face when it comes to individual stores.
"We cannot do anything without the stores. If the stores prosecute, we back them 110%. If the stores don't want us in their store, there's really nothing we can do. Our main goal has become to keep the common area safe."
For instance, if someone steals from a large chain within the mall, the mall management cannot press charges against them. Tomaszewski notes that this has become a significant challenge.
"Numerous people that would come in, and they would just load up. They know that won't prosecute, and they know the ones that do prosecute."
The issue not only affects large chains but also has repercussions for smaller businesses. Melissa Cardona, who runs several shops in the mall, expresses gratitude for mall security but points out that the failure of larger businesses to prosecute has led to increased challenges and costs.
"We're all focused on helping the customers, and then you have those that might just want to steal. It increases our payroll because we have to have extra people. But for the most part, if the business starts prosecuting, it will cut down a lot." said Cardona.
As holiday crime becomes a concern in Salisbury, the mall is actively hiring more security personnel, emphasizing the priority of safety for both shoppers and businesses.