Zero shootings at Lenox Square over past 10 months, police cite increase in security measures

ATLANTA — Atlanta police believe metal detectors and more security are helping curb crime at a popular shopping destination.

There were no shootings at Lenox Square in the past 10 months.

Channel 2′s Audrey Washington was in Buckhead where she spoke with police who told her they’re expecting large crowds at Lenox Square this holiday season. Which is why they want to keep security measures in place and firearms out of Lenox Square.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

“They walk around with the dogs. Standing guard,” shopper Alexis McKinney.

McKinney noticed the changes as soon as she and her daughter Aniya walked inside Lenox Square.

Atlanta police confirmed zero shootings at the shopping destination over the past 10 months.

That’s a big change from 2020 and 2021 when police responded to a number of shootings at Lenox Square, some deadly.

So what’s different?

What’s working?

Well, on Wednesday, Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said the Connect Atlanta platform helps the department keep an eye on Lenox Square.

“It allows us to have access to their cameras. To patrol virtually,” Schierbaum said.

TRENDING STORIES:

• Autopsy report reveals new details about how Migos rapper Takeoff died
• Woman kidnapped, ordered to tell daughter goodbye, and shot in ‘unspeakable’ attack
• Woman calls for help saying her own brother stabbed her; police find her dead in DeKalb County

In 2021, Channel 2 Action News got an exclusive look at the new technology and safety measures in place at Lenox Square.

Those measures included the following:

More security cameras.

K-9 units that can sniff out gun residue.

Metal detectors that can specifically spot guns and where they’re located on a person.

“Bad guys should recognize, don’t come to Lenox and break the law, we’re watching you, we see you,” John Rulli, Chief Administrative Officer at Simon Properties Group said.

We checked some of the security measures at other metro Atlanta malls:

Both Cumberland and Perimeter malls have firearm detecting K-9 units.

In addition to regular security, the mall at Stonecrest in DeKalb County also has security robots.

And as we get closer to the holiday shopping season, Atlanta police said shoppers should see more uniformed officers here at Lenox Square.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

IN OTHER NEWS:

Clark Howard says you can save hundreds on clothing if you try this one thing In 2021, Americans spent an average of $1,754 on clothes and services, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

©2022 Cox Media Group