By Logan Wentzlaff
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
Since 2019, financial losses due to theft in malls have jumped 90%. This trend coincides with the timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic. Locally, crime at and outside the Towson Town Mall has followed a similar trend. In 2021, during the pandemic, there were 269 reported incidents. That number rose to 425 in 2022 and further increased to 551 incidents in 2023, with no confirmed data yet for 2024. These incidents include thefts, assaults, burglaries, destruction of property, robberies, and carjackings.
Former Towson University student Finn McNabb shared his concerns. “I haven’t personally been in a dangerous situation at the mall, but I used to constantly hear about incidents involving guns. That kind of news makes me wary,” he said. “Security helps, but it can also make the place feel more intimidating.”
For many Towson-area residents and University students, the mall is a central shopping and social hub, but safety worries persist.
Hunter Dee, an employee at a pop-up cleaner store, spoke about its impact. “It definitely affects us negatively—not just because of crime, but how it shapes perceptions of Black folks,” he said. “Even outside of work, I feel treated differently when I’m around here.”
In response, the mall has increased patrols, and some stores are keeping high-value items locked up.
Rio Basmet, who runs a pop-up popcorn shop, sees another side of the issue. “I love Towson Mall! Yeah, there are a lot of kids, not all of them are bad,” he said. “Some who make it bad for everyone. It’s tough out there, and they don’t always have support. I try to help by giving free popcorn when I can.” However, he does share his worries about the ongoing carjackings. “I just hope it doesn’t happen to my car.”
While theft remains a concern, law enforcement and mall security continue working to keep the mall safe. Shoppers remain cautious, but many still see it as an important part of the community.