Mall beefs up security

TOLEDO, Ohio (WUPW) - New security measures were evident Friday evening at Westfield Franklin Park Mall in West Toledo, a week after a large brawl unfolded in the food court.

Many customers who visited the mall actually noticed the beefed up presence.

Mall personnel won't say how many officers were specifically there, but we're told it was an increase.

All of this started Feb. 13, after a big brawl between some young people, which resulted in several of those kids going to jail.

Westfield mall security trucks were patrolling the mall parking lots with their lights flashing.

Inside shoppers told FOX Toledo News there were uniformed police officers, plain clothes officers, along with regular security guards.

"I was here a couple of weeks ago and there was maybe a couple of guards, and now tonight when we come in, there's guards at every door," said Jarrod Gilbert, mall shopper. "They're walking around three and four together around the whole mall."

While some mall customers felt more secure with all the extra security, some still have apprehension about the kids and any potential trouble.

"The vibe in there was the kids against security," Jennipher Henderly said. "They are just loud and as normal. It was really disappointing."

In a statement from mall management and Mayor Mike Bell's office on Friday, the Franklin Park general manager said the mall is considering a Parental Escort Policy, where kids of certain ages would need parents at certain times of night.

There are additional discussions on that idea planned in the coming weeks. That discussion will not only include police and mall management, but school districts and TARTA transportation.