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.
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“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.
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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.
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