Shoplifting At Eagan Outlet Mall Puts Strain On Police
EAGAN, Minn. (WCCO) -- The opening of a new shopping center has meant a lot of extra work for Eagan Police. Now, they're asking the city to hire an extra officer.
Twin Cities Premium Outlets opened in August. In the six months since, police have responded to 103 thefts, 126 traffic stops and 117 burglar alarms at the center.
No violent crimes have been reported, but even a shoplifting call can tie up several officers for 45 minutes or so. Police want to make sure the rest of the city is still being served.
Detective Desiree Schroepfer said many of the shoplifting suspects have been working in groups.
"A lot of times, we'll see multiple people, lookouts, bags lined with devices that bypass security measures," she said.
For example, police say Markeeta Wesley, 36, of St. Louis Park stole merchandise on Nov. 16, returned to steal more on the 17th, and even more on the 28th, before officers stopped her. On at least two trips, Amy Dudley, 27, of Minneapolis was allegedly stealing with her, along with other accomplices.
The shopping center has its own security force, but those officers can't arrest anyone. The Eagan police department has had to shift resources to handle the load and patrol the area around the outlets each day.
"We had two officers who were reassigned from a dedicated traffic unit to handle the new retail center," Schroepfer said.
Even though calls to the mall have kept them busy, police have checked the numbers for surrounding neighborhoods and found no increase in crime.
"Eagan is a very safe place," Schroepfer said, "and I want to make it clear that the mall is, in fact, a very safe place. Our statistics show that we haven't seen any violent crimes, such as robberies, assault, anything like that."
The general manager of the shopping center, Peter Lund, issued a written statement:
"We have been extremely pleased with all operations at Twin Cities Premium Outlets in the nearly six months it has been open. Thanks to the wonderful efforts of the Eagan Police Department, other law enforcement officials, and our own security staff, which provides 24-hour coverage and patrol to the property, we believe Twin Cities Premium Outlets is a safe place to shop, which is our top priority. For Minnesotans who want the best in value shopping in a safe and welcoming environment, there is nothing like Twin Cities Premium Outlets."
If the city approves the hiring of a new officer, it would cost about $99,000 for salary and benefits, plus training.