Burlington Police Increase Patrols in Mall Areas For Holidays

Burlington Police Chief Michael Kent announced in a statement on Friday that the department will be increasing police patrols at popular shopping areas during the holiday season in an effort to target and reduce incidents of retail theft and property crime at the Burlington Mall and areas surrounding the mall, including the new Third Avenue shopping area.

“The goal of increasing our visible presence is to deter criminal activity but also to give shoppers coming to Burlington comfort that this stepped up enforcement will make their visit more enjoyable,” Chief Kent said. “Those who chose to commit these crimes should know that arrests will be the preferred response by officers.”

Beginning Saturday, Nov. 28, Burlington Police will be adding at least three additional patrol officers to these areas during the holiday shopping season.

Through crime analysis, Burlington Police found that the highest percentage of retail theft during the holiday season occurred on Thursday, Friday and Saturday between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m. Prior to increased patrol in 2011, Burlington received 41 calls for retail theft during these hours.

Since starting these directed patrols in the retail business district in 2012, Burlington has seen a significant drop in calls of this nature:

• 2012, 29 retail theft calls

• 2013, 13 retail theft calls

• 2014, 8 retail theft calls