Mall notes increasein car thefts due to carelessness

Police are urging students to take precautions in parking lots at the King of Prussia Mall, especially during the busy holiday season.

by Brian O'Connell staff writer

The King of Prussia mall attracts thousands of shoppers from all over the area. However, car thefts have served as a problem over the past several years.

Many people are excited to go to the mall and buy their favorite shirt, compact disc, movie, book or magazine. The shopper thinks that he or she will be at the mall for a short time and does not feel it is necessary to lock the car.

This is the number one cause for car theft at the mall according to Lt. Duber of the Upper Merion Police department.

The Upper Merion Police department has seen a decrease in car thefts from 1997 through Sept. 30, 1998.

"There were a total of 185 car thefts for 1997 at the King of Prussia mall," Duber said. "However, through Sept. 30 of 1998, 114 cars were stolen from the mall."

Christmas season always has people in the mall shopping for relatives and friends.

"The mall provides 13,000 parking spaces," Duber said. "Just about every one of these spaces is filled, which provides car thieves with a larger variety of cars to steal."

"The security at the mall is increased as well as area police officers during Christmas time."

"BMWs and luxury cars are among the most common cars to be stolen from the lot."

"The type of car matters most to the car thief," Duber said. "Usually the most expensive cars are the first ones the thief targets."

Drivers have a habit of leaving a spare car key in the glove compartment of a luxury car, according to Duber.

"This makes it very easy for the car to be stolen. The thief smashes the passenger car window, opens the glove compartment and has himself a car. This happens about one in 10 times."

Cabrini students are almost always at the mall since it provides hundreds of stores and is located close to campus.

"I would go to the mall during the day and not have to worry too much about my car being stolen," Lauren Beck, a sophomore, said. "If I were to go at night, I would go with a group of my friends and park the car close to the mall and under a light. Then I know the chances of having my car stolen will decrease."

"Whenever I go to the mall, I always remember where I park, so I would know right away if my car was stolen," Heather Gillespie, a sophomore, said. ''I always try to park close to the mall entrance because shoppers are always walking in and out and would notice if a car is being stolen."

Duber forewarns Cabrini students to take extra precautions when making trips to the mall.

"Going to mall is supposed to be a fun time when you can go with friends and enjoy yourself," Duber said.

Duber advises students to remember to park as close to the mall as possible. Do not bring a spare key for the car, and most importantly, make certain that you lock your car before going into the mall.

Duber further recommends that the next time students decide to go to the mall that they go with a group of friends and are sure to parkclose to the mall.

Also, at night, park under a light and remember the parking space. This will enable you to go shopping without having to worry about anything. Most importantly, it will greatly increase the chances for you to find your car where you left it.

Mall security was contacted for information, but were not cooperative because they are not permitted to release information relating to car thefts at the mall.

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