Fayetteville mall set to implement teen escort policy

Beginning Friday, teens 18 or younger wanting to hang out at Cross Creek Mall on Friday and Saturday nights will have to be accompanied by a guardian who is at least 21.

Posted 10:22 a.m. Jun 15, 2012 — Updated 2:11 p.m. Jun 15, 2012

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Beginning Friday, teens younger than 18 wanting to hang out at Cross Creek Mall on Friday and Saturday nights will have to be accompanied by a guardian who is at least 21.

Mall officials said the Youth Escort Policy was designed to curtail a rising number of youth hanging out at the mall and related disturbances occurring there on Friday and Saturday nights.

The policy was implemented after mall management received feedback from local government, business leaders and members of the community.

"I think it's a good idea. I have three children and I want to feel safe," said shopper Danna Aeschliman. "I'm not aware of any violent activity going on, but if there is and (the policy) curbs it, then I'm all for it."

Security guards will monitor the entrances of the mall after 6 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays to enforce the new policy. Teens who work at the mall will be allowed to work after 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, but will have to wear special identification.

Raleigh's Triangle Town Center implemented a similar policy in 2008 after 200 people participated in a gang-related brawl inside the mall.

"We believe the policy is in the best interest of all patrons," Cross Creek manager Matt Holligan said. "Shoppers have expressed concerns about the uncomfortable atmosphere Friday and Saturday nights due to the behavior of unsupervised youth."

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