Torrance mall to require chaperones for minors due to violence, theft

Juveniles will no longer be allowed at a Torrance mall without adult chaperones on certain days due to an increase in brawls.

After the Del Amo Fashion Center was the site of several violent fights, smash-and-grab robberies, shootings, and general mayhem, the new policy was announced Friday by Simon Property Group, owners of the mall.

Beginning March 1, all visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult over 21 years of age. The policy will only be active on Fridays and Saturdays after 3 p.m.

All minors who are still shopping or dining at the mall by 3 p.m. will be asked to leave unless they are immediately joined by an adult.

Mall officials said they have a right to ask for identification and if visitors cannot provide ID, they will be asked to leave the property. One adult can accompany up to four minors who must remain with the adult at all times.

The new policy comes after the mall has experienced several notable incidents involving violent teens and large groups.

In August 2023, video captured a large group of teens chasing a young boy through the mall before knocking him to the ground. The hostile group surrounded the boy before kicking and beating him.

In December 2023, hundreds of juveniles swarmed the mall with plans to allegedly loot or destroy the property. The massive gathering prompted police in riot gear to evacuate the mall and shut down surrounding streets after nearly 1,000 juveniles showed up.

A skirmish line was set up in the parking lot and 12 law enforcement agencies, along with a police helicopter, responded to the scene. Video captured juveniles chaotically scrambling off the property the moment officers arrived. The incident resulted in multiple arrests and injuries.

The mall had increased security following those incidents. The new chaperone policy was implemented in response to “feedback from the community and community leaders,” mall officials said.

Some residents were supportive of the policy, believing it would deter future violence.

“I personally like it because of my child, for safety reasons,” said a local shopper. “There’s been a lot of stories about teenagers being rowdy.”

However, another resident, who did not wish to be identified, believes the new policy isn’t fair for everyone.

“The mall is going to lose a lot of revenue, especially the food court and the shopping,” the woman said. “Kids get their money and they get to pick out their own clothes and they go to the movies, so they can’t do that [anymore]. No kid wants to be chaperoned by their mom. The good kids who have nothing to do with all of this, it’s unfortunate for them. It’s like they are being penalized for it.”

Other locals wonder how effective the policy will actually be.

“You can’t really stop someone who’s going to do whatever they’re going to do,” said a man who was not identified. “If they’re going to ransack it, then you can have [the policy] at whatever time but realistically, if it’s going to happen, it’s going to happen fast.”

Despite some criticism, it appears most locals are in support of the policy as an extra measure to discourage issues that could affect both retailers and customers.

“I think it’s unfortunate that it’s happening but I think something definitely had to be done,” said Anthony, a 17-year-old shopper. “It’s not a big deal for me personally. It’s not going to really affect me, but I think it’s better that it’ll be safer.”

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“We have entered a very sad state when youth visit our community and cause harm and havoc,” said Torrance Mayor George K. Chen. “Crimes committed by youth or adults that are pre-planned and organized to loot and destroy property are not acceptable…We can and must be better. The coordination and response from our police department and their regional partners is appreciated by our community.”

The new policy aims to reinforce the mall’s “commitment to the community to provide a pleasant, family-friendly shopping environment.”

Acceptable forms of identification for adults to remain in the mall include a state-issued driver’s license or ID card, a military ID, a school ID card, or a passport. The ID must include a photograph and date of birth.

More information, including the chaperone policy, can be read here.

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