Shoppers Embrace New Monroeville Mall Youth Policy

MONROEVILLE (KDKA) – The mall experience by its nature tends to be a strolling, casual affair.

But recent events have created some unease.

"The reason I'm here now, is because I'm kind of afraid to come later," said James Hendrix of East Liberty. "You know, it's Friday night, I'd rather shop in peace, rather than being worried about looking over my shoulder."

So at this hour, announcements are being made inside the mall that shoppers 18 years and younger need to wrap up their shopping and leave by 6 p.m., unless they are with a parent or guardian.

"The purpose of this policy is to curtail the teen activity that we've seen on Friday and Saturday nights," said Stacey Keating with CBL Properties.

The shooting earlier this month is what prompted CBL to install the Youth Police that it already has in 25 other malls it owns.

"At 6 o'clock, all of our guards will be visible throughout the common area of the mall and they will be asking for identification on any teenager whose age cannot be readily determined," said Keating.

Anyone underage will be given a chance to contact a parent or guardian, and then asked to leave.

And the policy says, "Individuals in violation that refuse to leave the mall when requested may be prosecuted for trespassing."

"Actually think it's a good idea," said Tacuri Oliver of Penn Hills. "I think it's a start. Hopefully it will work."

"I think it's great," said Beth Kallenborn of West Mifflin. "Safety, safety for everybody -- the workers, the shoppers, the young people, the old people."

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