Responding to resident inquiries about what impact fine-dining restaurants with alcohol at Moorestown Mall would have on crime and the costs of additional police presence at the mall, PREIT President Joseph F. Coradino cited numbers showing criminal incidents had decreased by 50 percent at Cherry Hill Mall since fine-dining with alcohol was added there due to a more mature, affluent consumer being attracted the restaurants and the high-end stores that tend to come with them.
The statistics, provided by Allied Barton Security Services, show a 50 percent decline in criminal incidents at the Cherry Hill Mall between 2008 (the year prior to the opening of additional fine-dining restaurants at the mall) and 2010. The types of incidents include: Assault, Disorderly Conduct, Robbery, Harassment, Larceny/Theft, Stolen Vehicles and Trespassing.
“Fine-dining restaurants that serve alcohol within Moorestown Mall will attract a more mature, affluent customer to dine and shop there — and that will make for a safer, more family friendly destination,” said Coradino. “We have been exceedingly pleased with the partnership between our private security personnel, the Cherry Hill Township PD, and PREIT, and look forward to developing and strengthening our relationships here in Moorestown.”
Coradino also pledged that PREIT would pay Moorestown Township to provide additional, off duty police officers patrol the mall during peak hours should this November’s referendums pass. PREIT currently pays Cherry Hill Township about $60,000 per year to do the same at Cherry Hill Mall.
“Next to security, the other concern I heard is that homeowners would see their property taxes go up to cover the cost of additional security and a police presence at the mall,” said Coradino. “I want to put those fears to rest today by stating unequivocally that PREIT will pick up the cost of additional, off-duty Moorestown police officers and Moorestown taxpayers will not have to shoulder any of the cost. Our goal is to transform the mall into a premier dining and entertainment destination and making sure it is safe and inviting is a top priority.”
Chris Russell
