Staff Reports
Del Amo Fashion Center, a thriving mall in Torrance, California, has decided to take a stand against the unruly and lawless behavior that has plagued its premises. In response to a spate of smash-and-grab heists, violent brawls, and even shootings, the mall is cracking down on teenage troublemakers by implementing a ban on unaccompanied minors on specific days. This bold move comes after the mall has suffered from a surge in criminal activity, largely due to the lenient stance of George Gascon, the controversial District Attorney of Los Angeles County. Gascon’s lax approach to juvenile offenders has emboldened these delinquents, leading to a significant decline in the safety and security of the mall.
The Del Amo Fashion Center’s decision comes as a last resort in the face of Gascon’s alarming policies, which essentially shield underage offenders from facing consequences for their misdemeanors, including theft and violent altercations. Unsurprisingly, this has resulted in a pervasive sense of lawlessness that has disrupted the peaceful environment of the mall and endangered the well-being of law-abiding citizens and patrons.
Reminder that the District Attorney in LA County, where this mall is located, does not prosecute juveniles accused of misdemeanor crimes. Screenshot from Gascon's policy: https://t.co/yz7FhB8lst pic.twitter.com/ZGDJxUVQ2n
— Julie Hamill (@hamill_law) February 25, 2024
The ramifications of the mall’s new policy are far-reaching. It not only inconveniences law-abiding teenagers who seek a safe and enjoyable hangout spot on weekends but also deals a blow to the mall’s businesses, which are likely to experience a decline in revenue, particularly during peak hours in the food court. Moreover, despite the increased expenditure on extra security measures, the underlying threat posed by unchecked juvenile delinquency continues to loom large over the mall.
The underlying message is clear: Gascon’s misguided approach to “criminal justice reform” and so-called “equity” has only emboldened delinquent youth, jeopardizing public safety and imposing financial burdens on businesses. This troubling trend reflects the erosion of societal norms in Los Angeles, overshadowing any semblance of a thriving, law-abiding culture. In the end, it is law-abiding citizens and responsible businesses that bear the brunt of Gascon’s failed policies, while delinquent individuals continue to exploit his leniency, perpetuating a culture of lawlessness and disorder.
