Shopping malls worldwide set to step up security after Kenya outrage
The deadly attack on a high-end Nairobi shopping mall that began on Saturday has put the safety of malls around the world into the spotlight. It could also trigger moves to improve security and make it more visible.
The deadly attack on a high-end Nairobi shopping mall that began on Saturday has put the safety of malls around the world into the spotlight.
It could also trigger moves to improve security and make it more visible.
"The shopping malls are obviously going to ramp up security," said Malachy Kavanagh, a spokesman for the International Council of Shopping Centres, a US-based group.
He expected the US Department of Homeland Security to reach out to the heads of corporate security for all American malls following the horrific events in Kenya.
Some of the changes that may be made include bringing off-duty police officers into the mall, putting more non-uniformed security officers into uniform and more closely co-ordinating with local police departments.
"Shopping centres and retailers will have to spend more money on security," said Irwin Barkan, head of African mall developer BGI, which is based in the US and is developing properties in West Africa. "I hope it doesn't get to the point where it is like getting into an airport," Barkan added, ahead of a trip to Nairobi for this week's African Hotel Investment Forum.