Residents press council on Westminster Mall vandalism and public safety; council says mall is private property
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Summary
Multiple speakers warned that recent vandalism at the closed Westminster Mall has become a public-safety problem. Police said they have responded to over 400 calls to the mall since its October closure and made more than 65 arrests to date; council and staff said they are working with property owners and may pursue legal remedies.
Residents used the Jan. 14 public comment period to press the Westminster City Council about escalating vandalism and public‑safety incidents at the closed Westminster Mall and to urge stronger city and property‑owner action.
Several speakers described widespread vandalism that circulated online and said the city should have anticipated and hardened the site after its closure. “How did the city not see this coming?” one speaker asked, urging the city to pursue cost recovery and enforcement against individuals who trespassed while filming viral videos.
Police Chief Darren responded that the mall is private property but said the Westminster Police Department has responded to “well over 400” calls for service since the mall’s October 2025 closure and that officers have made “over 65” arrests to date. Chief Darren said many of the most recent arrests — roughly 50 — occurred during the past week when social‑media content drew additional visitors, and he described coordination with property managers to board up and secure breached areas.
Councilmembers and staff emphasized the limits of city authority on private property while noting the city has been in ongoing communication with the mall owner and management. Councilmembers urged staff to bring a formal update and options back to council, including possible legal avenues for cost recovery and stronger code enforcement, and one councilmember said administration is exploring all possible approaches with the city attorney.
The meeting also included community appeals related to the Rose Center theater contract and calls to preserve its current management; speakers said any change in management should be transparent and negotiated to avoid disrupting long‑running local programming.
Next steps: the city manager said administration is evaluating options and coordinating with the city attorney; councilmembers requested a formal agenda item with an update from police and staff on security status, enforcement options and any potential remedies the city may pursue.
