Westminster Mall: A Look at the Growing Vandalism Concerns
Vandalism Persists at Closed Westminster Mall
The Westminster Mall in Orange County, which ceased operations in October, has become a canvas for vandalism, transforming into an unrecognizable site filled with graffiti and destruction.
Footage recently shared online reveals the extent of the damage. One witness, who identified himself as “Same1,” reported witnessing a group of around 60 individuals inside the deserted mall late Wednesday night.
“It was ridiculous,” Same1 remarked. “Mostly young people just breaking things.” He described their activities, noting the spray painting of walls and the shattering of windows. Notably, he reported the absence of any security personnel or police officers present on the premises. “No security, nothing,” he added.
The mall, which had served the community for several decades, closed its doors at the end of October. The city of Westminster has announced that there is no established timeline for its future development into a mixed-use retail and residential area.
Alexis Malatesta, a local resident who has fond memories of the mall, expressed her concerns about its decline. She initiated a social media page dedicated to sharing nostalgic memories. “It’s very scary because it’s only a matter of time before something dangerous is happening inside the structure,” Malatesta said, emphasizing her worries about inadequate security measures. “They’re not doing enough to keep people out and protect it.”
In response to the ongoing issues, Westminster police revealed that they have visited the property approximately 250 times in the past few months, resulting in over 20 arrests for trespassing and vandalism. The police department is collaborating with the four owners of the property to enhance security measures.
NBC4 has made efforts to contact the property owners for further comment.
