Walden Galleria adds safety for the Christmas season

CHEEKTOWAGA, NY (WIVB) – The Christmas shopping season is picking up speed, but criminals are also stepping up their game, especially near malls and malls. It’s a busy time for the police too, and the best of Cheektowaga offered some vital safety tips.

Despite the COVID pandemic, Christmas shoppers are returning to the Walden Galleria and other retail centers and it has been a safe return so far, according to police.

Cheektowaga is home to the largest retail center in western New York, the Walden Galleria, which is often used for handbag theft and car break-ins. Cheektowaga Police are stepping up their game, working with mall security and a Buffalo anti-violence group.

Despite the COVID pandemic, Christmas shoppers are returning to the Walden Galleria and other retail centers and it has been a safe return so far, according to police.

“Black Friday was a very busy day for the mall. We had a lot of customers in the mall. I’m happy to announce that we had no problems at the mall on Black Friday and it was definitely a busy day here at the mall, ”said Cheektowaga Police Chief Brian Gould.

Cheektowaga Police Chief Brian Gould also says shoppers can take a few simple precautions to enhance their vacation experience. Make sure you lock your car when you park it. Do not leave parcels visible through the car windows and even better lock them in the trunk.

Be careful not to leave valuables unattended and carry your wallet or purse close to your body or in a coat or front pocket of your trousers.

Cheektowaga Police Department is also working with Western New York Peacemakers to enforce parental escort policy.

“To ensure that the parents of these young people, and we are talking about up to 18 year olds, have a guardian with them. Otherwise, the policy here is to remove them from the establishment if they don’t have the correct ID, ”said Pastor James Giles, Western New York Peacemakers.

As for how to deal with mob robberies like those seen in other cities, Chief Gould said they were ready.

“We have worked hard to identify these people to make sure the courts know that when they are arrested for theft, it is not the typical person who steals a sweater, and we have been very successful,” added Chief Gould added.

The Walden Galleria renewed its “parent escort policy” a few years ago in response to a series of brawls among young people. Now, on Fridays and Saturdays, a young person under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian from 4 p.m. onwards