The tragic news that a mother and daughter were found dead in their car at Town Center at Boca Raton raises significant concerns about security at the mall parking lots. This is not the first time that questions have arisen as to what is happening in the parking areas at the mall.
In March, 2007, Randi Gorenberg was seen leaving Town Center. She was murdered less than one hour later in Delray Beach. Videotapes showed her exiting the mall but, as there are no cameras in the parking lot, do not show what happened when she entered her car.
In August, 2007, a women and her son were carjacked at gun point from the center and taken to a bank where the woman was forced to withdraw cash from the automatic teller. Police will tell you that being right off an interstate highway allows for easy get-aways and makes the mall a prime target for thieves.
Given this, WHY ARE THERE NO CAMERAS IN THE PARKING LOTS? There are numerous cameras throughout the mall and the parking lots needs to be under video surveillance as well. The mall owners, Simon, should at a minimum take this important step to protect customers. In addition, a complete evaluation needs to be quickly conducted and implemented to combat parking lot crime.
Call Simon at 368-6000 and let them know that you are concerned. Mall management has cordoned off many of the best parking spaces for valet and paid parking, forcing many people to park far from the nearest entrance. Security needs to be stepped up and not with a temporary band aid of a few more police during the holiday season. While cameras and better security may not stop all crimes, it should serve as a deterrent and provide evidence that may assist in apprehending the perpetrators of these heinous crimes.
