NJ Towns, Malls Beef Up Security After Mass Shootings

Several New Jersey malls and towns are taking steps to protect themselves after the mass shootings that claimed the lives of dozens in Texas and Ohio.

Police say they've increased their visibility at large gatherings, like at houses of worship and at schools, because of the risk of exposure.

"There are no specific or otherwise actionable threats of violence affecting our jurisdiction at the moment. However, we are always cognizant of the need to remain cautiously on guard and alert for unanticipated threats and emergencies," Princeton Police Sgt. Frederick Williams told Patch. Read more: Princeton Police Remain On Guard After Texas, Ohio Mass Shootings

Over the weekend, a massacre at an El Paso shopping center left 20 people dead and 26 other injured. A 21-year-old man surrendered shortly after Saturday's rampage, authorities said.

Less than 24 hours later, nine people were killed and 27 wounded after a 24-year-old man opened fire in Dayton's entertainment district. The shooter is also dead, authorities said.

Some malls declined to discuss what steps they're taking, if anything.

"We don't talk about what we do and don't do for security reasons," said Debra Panzarella, senior manager of marketing for Freehold Raceway Mall. "We are always working with the police and we're always doing drills with police to be prepared (for an incident). We are always preparing the best we can."

Here are some of the steps that have been taken:

• Moorestown police have increased patrols at the Moorestown Mall and other large gatherings. Read more: Increased Police Patrols At Moorestown Mall After Mass Shootings
• Cherry Hill police have reportedly increased at the Cherry Hill Mall. Police have assigned additional personnel, as well as plain clothes and undercover officers, to patrol the mall, 6 ABC reports. Read more: Increased Patrols At Cherry Hill Mall After Mass Shootings
• Police also stepped up patrols at the Woodbridge Center Mall, Woodbridge police Capt. Scott Kuzma confirmed to Patch. Read more: After Mass Shootings, Police Increase Woodbridge Center Patrols
• Princeton and police in Somerset County say they're "on guard" following the tragedies, with the Somerset Sheriff's Office ensuring protection in areas that draw a large amount of people. Those areas include the Bridgewater Commons, Raritan Valley Community Center, Bridgewater Promenade, Hillsborough shopping centers, Chimney Rock Crossings and others. Read more: Somerset County Police On Guard After Texas, Ohio Mass Shootings