Police presence increased at SoCal malls
Malls in Torrance and Carson were among some that saw increased patrols of police officers over the weekend, as authorities are concerned of ‘mall takeovers’ of teens organized on social media.
TORRANCE, Calif. – Concerns over potential disturbances spurred by social media have prompted increased police presence at shopping centers in Southern California this weekend.
The Torrance Police Department is ramping up its readiness for another possible “teen takeover” event at the Del Amo Fashion Center, in the wake of similar events, both at Del Amo, and other shopping centers in the area.
“We’re preparing in case of another social media-fueled event,” a spokesperson for the Torrance Police Department said.
One week ago, Long Beach Police increased patrols outside the Pike Outlets, after social media rumors told of a similar gathering. The increased patrols paid off, after a massive fist fight broke out at the shopping center. Nearby, around the time of the fight, a 16-year-old boy was shot in downtown Long Beach.
Increased police at local malls
The Carson Mall and the Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance have beefed up their police presence over the weekend to prevent possible takeovers like ones at the Pike Outlets in Long Beach which spurned massive fights.
RELATED: Pike Outlets close early in Long Beach after fight breaks out; 2 arrested
The Del Amo Fashion Center is no stranger to similar situations, with the mall closing early several times over the last few years due to fights, large gatherings and more.
“In the mall fighting and stuff, that’s really not fun to be honest, man,” said resident Emeritus Pickens. “Now the kids nowadays, they don’t have no guidance at all, and it kind of sucks.”
Incidents like those led the Fashion Center to implement a Youth Supervision Policy last year. Now, anyone under 18 at the mall must be accompanied by someone 21 or older after 3 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
RELATED: Del Amo Mall starts new chaperone policy for teens
But the concerns aren’t just in Torrance this weekend. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department‘s Carson Station spent Saturday monitoring a “disruptive youth gathering” at the South Bay Pavillion. Video from SkyFOX showed a higher-than-normal deputy presence. Several teenagers were reportedly detained.
In a statement to FOX 11, the Torrance Police Department said it remains “committed in partnership with Del Amo Fashion Center to providing a safe experience for all visitors.”
As of Saturday night, no large groups have gathered at the mall, though law enforcement continues to monitor social media.