Security Measures Making Baltimore Co. Mall Safer

TOWSON, Md. (WJZ) ―

A murder inside a busy mall parking lot led to several security changes. Jessica Kartalija reports there's now proof those changes are working.

The fatal shooting occurred at Towson Town Center.

In 2005, William Bassett, 58, was shot in the head during what police say was a busy shopping hour at the mall.

That crime, and a series of other robberies, led to the installation of high intensity lights at Towson Town Center, increased patrols throughout parking lots and a law requiring security cameras be placed in mall parking lots throughout the county.

"Not only has it solved crimes, it has deterred crimes and has also resolved false allegations of crimes," said Baltimore County councilman Kevin Kamenetz.

Kamenetz sponsored the legislation in 2005 and attributes a decrease in mall-related crime to the cameras.

"Crime has now decreased 17 percent for Baltimore County, and the police have advised that they have solved three homicides as a result of video surveillance," said Kamenetz.

Now Kamenetz says he wants to give county police direct access to the security feeds, improving response time.

"If an incident takes place, a police officer can bring it up on a screen in the squad car, and as they are approaching the scene, they can assess the situation even before they get there," said Kamenetz.

In Baltimore County, all malls with 15 or more stores are required to have exterior cameras in all public parking lots.