On Tuesday, October 13, a woman was attacked near the koi pond at Westfield Old Orchard in Skokie. Police say a man she didn’t know hit her with a bag, pushed her into the pond, and held her head underwater. Bystanders stepped in and pulled them apart before officers arrived. The man has been charged with attempted murder (CBS Chicago). Our thoughts are with her and the people who helped her.
Open-air centers like Old Orchard have long walkways, water features, and quiet corners, so security can’t watch every spot at once. Trained officers who patrol where people can see them help in three ways:
- They can spot trouble and step in within seconds.
- They give shoppers and staff someone close by to go to for help.
- They keep things under control and guide police in until officers arrive.
Valle Services provides unarmed and armed security guards for shopping centers, retail stores, and properties across Chicago and all suburbs. Call 630-212-8938.
Photo: Chicago’s North Shore Conventions & Visitors Bureau, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
