GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — The Gwinnett Place Mall and surrounding businesses are making a strong push to increase safety during the holidays and shop owners are putting up their own money to do it.
Businesses inside and outside the mall are spending thousands of dollars for extra patrols that started before Thanksgiving.
The Gwinnett Place Community Improvement District hired a private security company to deter crime and officials told Channel 2 Action News the results are positive.
Officers with Specialized Security and Intelligence are patrolling the mall parking lot and shopping centers and offices surrounding the mall for 12 hours every day -- from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
"You're looking for stranded motorists, any suspicious vehicles sitting in parking lots, people panhandling," said Sgt. Patrick Kovack.
The Gwinnett Place CID put up $16,000 to hire the security company.
"Shoppers have noticed the increased security. They've noticed the patrol cars we have here. We've also gotten great support from Gwinnett County police. They've really put a lot more patrols back in the area." said Joe Allen with the Gwinnett Place CID.
The CID only hired the security through Jan. 1 but there is some talk about continuing if they can come up with the money, according to Allen.
WSBTV
