More officers, K-9s coming to Northlake Mall as security measures increase

CHARLOTTE — More security measures are coming to Northlake Mall, officials announced Monday.

The mall is implementing five new changes in collaboration with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department:

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Significantly increasing the amount of staff and visibility of off-duty police officer presence patrolling during operational hours
Escorted K-9 Patrol and Firearm Detection Unit
Large public view monitors, to be installed at the mall’s entrances and high-traffic areas
Upgrading and enhancing more than 140 CCTV cameras located both inside and outside the facility
Adding vehicle recognition technology at car entrances that cross-references with CMPD’s programs

The news comes after several recent shootings at or near the mall. On Feb. 28, shots were fired during a fight outside of Macy’s. Before that, on Feb. 5, a shot was fired inside the mall. And earlier, on Dec. 15, police said one person was shot multiple times outside a jewelry store there. Officers said a bullet also hit a worker inside that store.

“We have been proactively working with the CMPD to ensure the safety of our retailers, employees, and customers while working to prevent these events from happening in the future,” said Carmen D. Spinoso, Chairman and CEO of Spinoso Real Estate Group, which manages the mall. “We stand in partnership with our valued retailers in prioritizing the safety and well-being of Mall employees and the shoppers who enjoy our retail experience – and will continue to ensure that anyone who enters the Mall can do so comfortably.”

The mall already adjusted its Youth Supervision Policy in 2021, saying anyone under the age of 17 needs a chaperone to shop starting at 3 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

In a news release, Spinoso Real Estate Group said parts of Northlake will see changes as soon as April.

“Northlake Mall has been a vigilant and dedicated partner on these incidents in ensuring a safe environment for our community. They are working with CMPD on several safety measures,” CMPD Police Chief Johnny Jennings said in a statement to Northlake’s management. “Public safety remains our top priority, and we look to our continued work with the mall, area businesses, community members, and others as we address these incidents.”

Mall management also said Northlake will be announcing “exciting new retail, dining, and entertainment partners in the coming months.”

(WATCH BELOW: Another Northlake Mall store closing)