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Area Malls & Police Keep Vigilant About Security, Especially After Recent Threat

npr.org

Shopping mall operators around the country should consider increasing security in light of  a threatening video released by a terrorist group. That advice from U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder who spoke with CNN about the recent video released by an extremist group in Somalia that specifically mentioned the country's largest mall, the Mall of America near Minneapolis.

Holder made the comments to CNN, following a recent video released by a Somali-based terrorist organization which mentioned the Minnesota mall and appeared to be designed to inspire terrorist attacks.

Ontario County Sheriff Phil Povero says his agency was notified about that threat as were other law enforcement agencies, just so that they were aware in case they needed to review their security procedures.

He notes that his deputies already have a regular presence at Eastview Mall in Victor.

"They’re there on a daily basis, they are very busy in working not only with management and security, but the stores (as well)  in a myriad of issues relating to retail operation.”

Monroe County deputies note that they also have a regular presence at Marketplace Mall, and in the Town of Greece, Police Chief Patrick Phelan says they have increased security at Greece Ridge in light of the recent concerns.

Recently, Doug Swetman, Vice President of security at Wilmorite, which owns Marketplace, Greece Ridge and Pittsford Plaza, released this statement:

Although this newest threat has gained a lot of publicity, this is not the first threat against malls in our country. As a mall owner, we are always vigilant and aware of suspicious activity and/or terrorism concerns and work very closely with local, state, and federal authorities to address these issues. The safety of our shoppers, tenants and employees is our highest priority. We all hope that these threats never come to fruition anywhere.

Povero says this should not just be an issue for mall officials or local police departments, but for all Americans.

"We need to continually remind them that they have to play a role in homeland security. Homeland security begins at the home. And people in our communities need to contact law enforcement if they see something unusual," Povero told WXXI News.

Randy Gorbman is WXXI's director of news and public affairs. Randy manages the day-to-day operations of WXXI News on radio, television, and online.