Authorities in the Orange County suburb of Westminster are working to raise awareness about vandalism at the Westminster Mall. The mall closed last October but has since become a hotbed of illegal activity.
According to the Westminster Police Department, the mall has been cordoned off since the closure; however, people are still finding ways to enter. A look inside revealed that the intruders had vandalized the mall, smashing the glass storefront, littering the remaining merchandise and spray-painting much of the interior.
Westminster police said their department has received 402 calls for various crimes since the mall closed, including vandalism and trespassing. An individual with a warrant was also arrested there, according to WPD.
One witness told KTLA they saw about 60 people in the mall at one time this weekend, with no police or security in sight. They submitted photos and videos of the damaged mall but insisted they were “just there for the camera” and were not involved in the vandalism.
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Westminster authorities are working to raise awareness of vandalism at Westminster Shopping Centre. The mall closed last October but has since become a hotbed of illegal activity. (Photo credit: TT/@theteengedirtbagg)
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Westminster authorities are working to raise awareness of vandalism at Westminster Shopping Centre. The mall closed last October but has since become a hotbed of illegal activity. (Photo credit: TT/@theteengedirtbagg)
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Westminster authorities are working to raise awareness of vandalism at Westminster Shopping Centre. The mall closed last October but has since become a hotbed of illegal activity. (Photo credit: TT/@theteengedirtbagg)
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Westminster authorities are working to raise awareness of vandalism at Westminster Shopping Centre. The mall closed last October but has since become a hotbed of illegal activity. (Photo credit: TT/@theteengedirtbagg)
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Westminster authorities are working to raise awareness of vandalism at Westminster Shopping Centre. The mall closed last October but has since become a hotbed of illegal activity. (Photo credit: TT/@theteengedirtbagg)
A spokesperson for the Westminster Police Department confirmed to KTLA that at least 30 people were arrested on vandalism charges just this past weekend. The spokesperson added that investigators believe the recent increase in incidents may be related to videos circulating online showing vandalism inside.
However, the spokesman said the videos were not an invitation to enter the mall.
“This has become a safety issue,” they said. “Anyone trespassing will be arrested.”
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