The Mall at Millenia: Where Reputation is Key

The Mall at Millenia: Where Reputation is Key

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • May 18, 2016
When you step out of the hot, muggy heat of central Florida and into the air conditioned architecture of The Mall at Millenia, it is hard not to take a second to just stare.

The mall is laid out in an “S”-shape, featuring 60-foot vaulted end-to-end skylights creating an abundance of natural light. Music is piped through an intercom masking the sounds of designer heels on the 150 million year old marble floor. The hallways lined with luxury retail facilities are adorned with innovative glass and water features and public entrances are brightly lit and clean.

Security director, Greg Moore, says that’s all part of the plan. From the style of the building to the cleanliness on the premises, it is all done as crime prevention.

“Everything that we do, our housekeeping, landscaping, maintenance and engineering is all crime prevention. It’s the tone that we set when you walk into this building,” Moore said. “We really want to send a subliminal message to any bad guy that we are serious about security and there are easier places to go if they want to commit a crime.”

The Mall at Millenia sees millions of visitors to its 150 stores each year. The mall is within the top 10 most profitable malls in the world and Moore believes it’s because of their reputation as a facility committed to prevention.

“Our emphasis is on being proactive, not allowing crimes to happen in the first place,” Moore said. “That’s what’s good for business. That’s what is good for this property and that’s how we protect our guests.”

In addition to reputation, the mall employs a number of security guards that are trained to greet visitors in the hopes of deterring criminal activity. The mall is outfitted with cameras that can see from all angles and an intercom system that can act as a mass notification system in the event of an emergency. Moore and his security team also train tenants of the mall and their employees in the case of an active shooter situation.

“Whenever there is breaking news on a situation at a mall, I stop what I’m doing and I am glued to the TV,” Moore said. “I’m looking for best and worst practices and that’s a lot of what our training program is: teaching tenants and employees what not to do in the worst possible situation.”

In an effort to secure the parking lots surrounding the facility, security vehicles circle through the lots throughout the day. These security vehicles and their drivers start working well before the shoppers arrive. Moore calls this crime prevention method Operation Good Morning Posture.

“Operation Good Morning Posture is where we have all of our units out in the parking lot greeting our employees as they come in and being highly visible,” Moore said. “About 20 minutes later, the vehicles will be running around with their lights flashing to be even more visible as our parking lots begin to see more traffic. The idea is that a criminal would see these vehicles and decide not to come inside at all.”

The Mall at Millenia will continue to see outstanding reviews from shoppers, not only for their wide selection of luxury brands, but for their security and their commitment to prevention.

“We have more emphasis on security than any other mall that you are going to go to,” Moore said. “It is a philosophy and it’s a dedication of assets and that’s what sets us apart.”

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.