In our neighborhood, we have NorthPark, the Galleria and Valley View nearby. Can you tell us how these shopping centers stack up when it comes to crime rates?
Our North Central Patrol Division is responsible for NorthPark Center, Galleria Dallas and Valley View Center. With more than 500 retail and dining outlets, they collectively host more than 40 million visitors each year. In addition to Dallas police patrols, each mall employs trained uniformed security personnel 24-hours a day, both inside and on perimeter parking. In the fall as the holiday season approaches, the Dallas Police Department increases its staffing at all three malls so that there’s a greater police presence, and less risk to the shoppers. The number of crimes at these locations is remarkably low. Less than 185 offenses have been reported to police by shoppers in the first seven months of this year. And 131 of those offenses involve the burglary or theft of a vehicle. That said, shoppers should still use safety precautions to prevent becoming a victim. Be aware of your surroundings and practice our recommendation to “Lock, Take and Hide.” Lock your car, take you personal property (laptops, cameras, cellular phones, etc.) with you, and hide out of sight any property left in the car. If you observe suspicious persons or activity on the mall parking lots, report it to mall security, and they will assist you.
