Mall Safety and Store Closures: A Growing Concern in Towson

A Shocking Incident

• Time & Location: 3:30 p.m., parking garage near Macy’s, Towson Town Center.
• What Happened: Two armed men stole a vehicle from the parking lot.
• Response: Police located and are preparing to arrest the suspects.

Mall Decline

• Vacancy Rate: ~26 % of shops empty → uninviting atmosphere.

Public Sentiment

• Ms. Jackie: “The mall used to be a nice place; I miss it.”
• General Feeling: Recent crime has eroded trust and safety.

Community Concerns

• Kathleen McGuigan: Avoids the mall after dark; restricts teens.
• Recent Incidents:
• Middle‑school fight → 5 students charged with assault.
• November stabbing inside mall → 1 teen stabbed, 4 others arrested.

Broader Trends

• Joey’s Observation: Online shopping cuts foot traffic, leading to store closures.

Councilman Mike Ertel’s Take

• Crime vs. Shopping: Online commerce hurts malls nationwide, not just in Maryland.
• Safety Measures: New tech to curb crime, increased traffic stops.
• Perception of Fear: He believes fear stems more from shoplifting than violent acts.
• Action Plan: Collaborate with state and court officials to hold young offenders accountable.

Bottom Line

Despite efforts, shoppers and residents remain uneasy. The recent carjacking and violent events have turned the mall into a perceived danger zone for many.