Malls Boost Security as Shopping Season Starts

Malls across the country have boosted security in recent months, adding rooftop observation posts, parking lot cameras and more patrols to keep shoppers safe.

A handful of violent incidents occurred at malls this week as shoppers mobbed stores for deals at the start of the holiday shopping season.

"Traditionally, the holiday season does bring more criminal activity to shopping centers," said Gee Cosper, a former Secret Service agent who is a security consultant to shopping centers.

Cosper says malls have increasingly focused this year on their outdoor spaces, which he calls "the Achilles' heel of the shopping center."

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