Cherry Hill Police Warn Against Unattended Dropoffs At The Mall

CHERRY HILL, NJ — Cherry Hill police and the Cherry Hill Mall are warning residents about the risks associated with dropping off children and leaving them unattended.

“The day after Christmas is one of the busiest shopping days of the season,” the Cherry Hill Police Department said in an online post. “Over the last few years malls nationwide have seen an increase in the number of unattended juveniles that are dropped off at retail shopping centers creating disturbances and engaging in criminal behavior.”

Although the Cherry Hill Mall does not enforce a parental escort policy, there is a code of conduct that must be followed, they said. Anyone acting inappropriately will be asked to leave. Cherry Hill police officers will be patrolling the parking lots and the mall interior, as well as other shopping centers during the holidays.

“The police will not tolerate juveniles acting in a disruptive manner,” Cherry Hill police said. “Juveniles not acting responsibly will be escorted from the property and their parents will be called to the police station to pick them up. Those engaging in criminal behavior will be arrested and prosecuted.”

Patch file photo