Jerusalem’s prestigious Mamilla Mall has been hit with a spree of robberies of late that has mall security officials concerned. According to a MyNet report, in one case, a coat valued at NIS 6,000 was stolen along with a pair of less extensive coats; all taken from the Columbia store. Another store, The North Face, was also targeted, with thieves making off with ski equipment, down outer apparel, gloves and other garments. The Super-Pharm branch in the mall was also targeted, as was the Castro store. The store owners and managers have already filed dozens of complaints with police, explaining almost a day does not pass without another theft. This is confirmed by one security official in the mall.

The Columbia store in near the Jaffa Gate and recently, someone entered and grabbed two coats worth close to NIS 1,000 and ran. It was that simple. Security personnel chased after him but he got away. In another incident, a coat valued at NIS 6,000 was stolen the same way.

Folks at The North Face have filed multiple complaints with police and they are left with the feeling that nothing is being done. The store now only displays one garment and leave the remainder in the storehouse, claiming “tens of thousands of shekels in merchandise has been stolen”.

Folks at the Mango store join the list, explaining they too have been hit and goods worth considerable sums have been stolen. The mall has added a security officer and a team working under him but some stores have decided to bring in their own security personnel, including Castro.

Police responded to the report, explaining action is being taken in the form of uniformed and plainclothes agents, working with the mall security force to prevent additional thefts. Police add that arrests have been made in response to most of the complaints received, with most of the perpetrators being minors, who will face criminal charges.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)