Vandals have overrun the abandoned Westminster Mall in Orange County, leading to 402 police calls in three months, with arrests and graffiti covering the property.
Vandalism Increases at Westminster Mall
Vandals have taken over an abandoned mall, covering its walls in graffiti. This has turned the property into a site for illegal activity. Police calls for service have surged to 402 in just three months.
The Westminster Mall in Orange County closed last October. It is now a hotspot for vandalism and trespassing, according to KTLA.
In the last three months, Westminster police apprehended individuals with outstanding arrest warrants. They handled nearly 250 complaints and arrested more than two dozen people.
In the last three days, police arrested 30 people and responded to 57 calls for service, as stated in a Facebook post.
Orange County authorities are raising awareness about vandalism at the Westminster Mall, which closed last October. The mall is boarded up, but people are still finding ways to enter.
“The Westminster mall is closed and no persons are allowed inside,” police said. “The Westminster Police Department will be conducting full enforcement for any criminal activity committed at the mall.”
Witnesses reported seeing groups of people painting graffiti inside the mall. One witness told KTLA that they saw about 60 people at the property at once, with no police or security present.
“This has become a safety issue,” a police spokesperson told KTLA. “Anyone trespassing will be arrested.”
Alexis Malatesta, a former regular at the mall, expressed disappointment about its current state. She even threw a goodbye party when it shut down.
Before its closing last October, many vacant storefronts were visible at the Westminster Mall in January 2024.
Preliminary proposals for the mall’s redevelopment suggest it could include housing, retail shops, or a hotel.
“It’s very scary because it’s only a matter of time before something dangerous happens inside the structure,” Malatesta told NBC. “They’re not doing enough to keep people out and protect it.”
Police are working with the owners to increase security and raise awareness about vandalism at the location.
Summary of Police Activity at Westminster Mall
| Time Period | Calls for Service | Arrests | Complaints Handled |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 3 Months | 402 | More than 24 | Nearly 250 |
| Last 3 Days | 57 | 30 | N/A |
