WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.-- A fight last Saturday evening that forced Hanes Mall to close early has resulted in a change to security rules.
Monday, a spokesperson for the mall told WFMY News 2 they’re upping security the weekend of March 9 and 10, because of recent violence.
“We evaluate our security protocol on an ongoing basis and make adjustments as necessary. We do expect to have additional security and police coverage this Friday and Saturday.”
Owners of the mall also released additional security plans which include an update to the Youth Escort Policy. Teen curfew on Friday and Saturday had been 6 p.m. but is now changed to 5 p.m.
The policy states:
- Hanes Mall visitors under 18 are required to be accompanied by a parent or guardian 21 years or older on Friday and Saturday evenings after 5 PM, or at any other time the policy is in effect.
- Security will begin monitoring those entering the center at 5 PM on Friday and Saturday evenings.
- Unescorted youth shopping prior to 5 PM on Friday and Saturday evenings must leave the mall by 5 PM or be joined by a parent or guardian.
- Unescorted youth will be asked to leave the center after 5 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, or any other time the policy is in effect.
- Individuals utilizing public or other forms of transportation must schedule their departure time to ensure compliance with the 5 PM youth/guardian policy.
- Individuals in violation of the Hanes Mall YEP program or in violation of any posted mall rules that refuse to leave the mall when requested to do so by mall security officers may be prosecuted for trespassing.
- Proof of age will be required if the age of the youth and/or parent or legal guardian is not easily determined. Those whose age cannot be determined and who lack identification will be asked to the leave the property.
- Acceptable identification is a photo ID from a state agency, school, or employer.
- Youth under 18 working in the mall will be allowed to access without parent or legal guardian, proof of work status will be required and employees must go directly to place of employment and must leave the mall at the conclusion of their work shift, if after 5 PM on Friday and/or Saturday evenings, or at any other time the policy is in effect.
- One parent, over 21 years of age, may escort all his/her children. Additionally, one parent or guardian, over 21 years of age, may escort up to 3 youths, at least one of the youths must be the child of the parent or guardian.
- Parents or guardians are responsible for the actions of the escorted youth.
- Any person violating the posted rules of behavior will be asked to leave Hanes Mall.
- If an escorted youth is banned from the center, the adult escort will also be banned for the same period.
- Security personnel are responsible for enforcing this policy and the procedures.
- Hanes Mall YEP guidelines are posted at all mall entrances.
Social media helped spread the false rumor of a shooting which added to the chaos.
Literally sprinted along with maybe 400 other people after someone supposedly pulled a gun in Hanes Mall while I was watching the chaos pic.twitter.com/ELSE36reyP
Teen fights fueled by social media seem to be a growing trend. Just a week before the fight at Hanes Mall, one broke out at Four Seasons Town Centre in Greensboro. A teen was arrested during that incident after she was accused of kicking an officer.
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