Ross Park Mall, South Hills Village To Get Security Cameras

ROSS TOWNSHIP, PA — The owner of Ross Park Mall and South Hills Village has pledged to install security cameras in both locations. After years of ignoring numerous law enforcement requests to do, Simon Properties made the decision after shots were fired last weekend at Ross Park Mall.

“The safety of our shoppers, retailers and associates are our top priority," a statement from the malls said. "We have extensive proactive and preventative security programs and measures, including utilizing off-duty police officers and a private security force that actively patrol the interior and exterior of the shopping center, along with working closely with local law
enforcement and retailers to prepare for potential emergencies."

Ross Park Mall also will implement a weapons detection K9 program. No date was given as to when the K9s will begin roaming the mall.

Pressure mounted on Simon put in cameras them in after gunfire erupted last weekend during an altercation between about a half-dozen people. No one was injured. Two 17-year olds were
taken into custody and face numerous gun charges.

After the incident, Ross police Lt. Brian Kohlhepp slammed Simon's continued
resistance to the cameras idea. Criticism also came from Allegheny County District Attorney
Stephen Zappala and Bethel Park police chief Timothy O'Connor, whose force covers South Hills Village.