10 Dangerous US Shopping Centers

Shopping centers are often considered safe havens where we can indulge in retail therapy, dine with friends, and enjoy a leisurely day out. However, not all malls are created equal. Some have garnered a reputation for being less than safe due to several factors, mainly a variety of property and violent crimes. If you’re curious about which shopping centers to approach with caution, read our list of some of the most dangerous shopping centers in the United States.

The Shopping Centers You Want to Avoid

1. North Riverside Park Mall, Illinois: Located in the Chicago suburbs, North Riverside Park Mall has seen its fair share of crime over the years, from shoplifting to armed robbery and even a shooting in the parking lot. One incident in March 2024 involved an armed robbery where the thief stole two necklace charms and fled in a car without a front license plate.
2. Oak Court Mall, Tennessee: Oak Court Mall has been a hotspot for criminal activity, including violent crimes like assaults, murder, and motor vehicle break-ins and thefts. During a recent incident in June 2024, a gun was stolen from a vehicle parked in the lot while the owners shopped inside. Despite efforts to increase security, the mall remains a concern for shoppers.
3. Cumberland Mall, Georgia: Situated in Atlanta, Cumberland Mall has experienced a rise in crime rates, particularly in its parking lots. Theft and car jackings are frequent enough to warrant extra caution. In Jan. 2024 a man stole $852 worth of clothes and perfume in Cumberland Mall. While fleeing the scene, the culprit abandoned his vehicle as well as his 11-year-old son who had been left inside the car.
4. Parkway Place Mall, Alabama: Huntsville’s Parkway Place Mall has garnered a reputation for being unsafe, with incidents ranging from petty theft to resisting arrest and injuring a police officer. In fact, during one incident in Jan. 2023, a suspect was arrested after allegedly hitting an officer following a supposed shoplifting incident.
5. Galleria at Sunset, Nevada: This Henderson-based mall has seen a spike in criminal activities and alarming occurrences like stabbings and shootings.
6. Independence Center, Missouri: Located in Independence near Kansas City, this mall has faced numerous issues with theft, vandalism, and violent altercations, making it a risky shopping destination. In Nov. 2023, gunfire erupted at the mall, wounding four people and sending panicked shoppers rushing for shelter. Three people fled in a vehicle and were taken into custody near the mall.
7. Eastland Mall, Indiana: Eastland Mall in Evansville has experienced a range of criminal activities, most notably gun-related incidents, leading to a heightened sense of caution among patrons. In May 2023, two police officers sitting in the parking lot saw shoppers fleeing Eastland mall, yelling that shots had been fired. When officers searched the building, they found a gun magazine and a handgun but concluded that no shots had ever been fired. Two juveniles subsequently faced charges as a result of the shooting scare.
8. Cortana Mall, Louisiana: Baton Rouge’s Cortana Mall has been on a decline, with increasing crime rates that include both petty theft and more serious offenses like armed robberies.
9. Southland Mall, Florida: Located in Miami, Southland Mall has had multiple incidents of violent crime, including a recent shooting of a man by three assailants. Incidents like this make it a dangerous place for shoppers.
10. Valley Plaza Mall, California: Located in Bakersfield, Valley Plaza Mall has seen a rise in criminal activities, from shoplifting to more serious offenses like armed robberies and assaults. One incident in Aug. 2023 left a female victim in critical condition following a shooting in the parking lot.

Stay Safe

While shopping centers are generally seen as safe spaces for leisure and retail, it’s essential to remain vigilant of your surroundings, especially when visiting malls with a history of criminal activity. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, knowing the potential risks can help you stay safe. Trust your instincts and report suspicious activities to mall security or local authorities.

References: Armed Robbery at North Riverside Park Mall on Cermak Rd, North Riverside | Gun stolen in Oak Court Mall vehicle burglaries |Suspected thief ditches son at mall, Cobb County police say | Person Allegedly Hits Police Officer After Shoplifting Incident at Parkway Place | Man Shot in Arm at Henderson Mall| Mall Shooting at Missouri Independence Mall | BRPD Investigating Armed Robbery at Cortana Mall Parking Lot | Suspects Sought in Shooting at Southland Mall in Cutler Bay | Woman Injured in Shooting at Valley Plaza Mall| Two juveniles arrested after Saturday night shooting scare at Eastland Mall