On the second-to-last day of 2006, Howard County police were called 10 times to The Mall in Columbia, where residents reported two motor vehicle crashes, disorderly conduct, theft, trespassing and even an assault.
But the rash of calls was not unusual at a mall that attracts people from throughout the Baltimore region.
“The mall has gotten bigger,” Howard County police spokeswoman Sherry Llewellyn said.
“They have been undertaking some really effective security measures. We have officers who have that beat, and the mall also pays for officers to supplement and increase their numbers during peak times.”
Calls for police service at the mall have increased by 25 percent during the last five years, with residents calling for police there nearly 1,800 times annually.
“It?s everything from a traffic stop to shoplifting, and they?re out here quite frequently,” said Karen Geary, the mall?s senior general manager, who added that the percentage of calls was small compared to the 13 million people who visit the mall annually. “We prevent more crime than crime occurs.”
In 2005, county police recorded 620 thefts, 82 acts of vandalism, 33 drug violations, 28 burglaries, 26 disorderly conducts, 17 vehicle thefts and 11 weapons violations in the area of Town Center in Columbia that includes the mall, according to police statistics.
Officials with General Growth Properties, which owns the mall, recently announced they will increase the mall?s size even more, leaving some residents to wonder how police will deal with the increased problems that come with more people.
An additional 200,000 square feet or more could be added, General Growth officials have said.
“As the mall expands, we all should be concerned about safety there,” said Gail Broida, the Town Center representative of the Columbia Council.
“It?s a focal point for a lot of people, but people will stop going if they?re afraid of crime.”
Management at the mall has taken steps to increase security, including the installation of security cameras throughout the property that are monitored 24 hours a day, and more security guards, who conduct foot, bike and vehicle patrols in the parking at all times.
Additionally, county police say they need increased staffing because of the growing population of the county.
During his campaign, newly elected Howard County Executive Ken Ulman, a Democrat, said he wanted to increase police department staff. Police Chief William McMahon and police union President Cpl. Ronald Baker also have said the department needs more sworn officers.
Howard County police have about 375 sworn officers and 550 total employees, according to Uniform Crime Report data.
Even with current staffing, police say they are working well with mall officials to fight crime.
“We make a good team,” Llewellyn said. “I have every reason to believe we would continue that relationship as the mall expands.”
BUSY DAYS
Days in 2006 in which Howard County police were called to The Mall in Columbia 10 or more times.
» March 4: 11
» April 1: 10
» April 15: 10
» May 19: 10
» May 27: 10
» June 16: 10
» July 4: 10
» Oct. 27: 10
» Nov. 25: 12
» Nov. 26: 11
» Nov. 29: 10
» Dec. 2: 12
» Dec. 7: 13
» Dec. 8: 10
» Dec. 10: 10
» Dec. 15: 10
» Dec. 19: 10
» Dec. 20: 12
» Dec. 22: 13
» Dec. 23: 13
» Dec. 26: 11
» Dec. 27: 11
» Dec. 29: 10
» Dec. 30: 10
Source: Howard County Police
BY THE NUMBERS
Calls for police from The Mall in Columbia
2006: 1,752
2005: 1,769
2004: 1,570
2003: 1,409
2002: 1,404
Source: Howard County Police
