Groups note nation's shopping centers have security measures in place

At least two associations are seeking to reassure the public that malls are safe places to visit after a recent video by a Somali-based terrorist organization called for attacks on shopping centers in the U.S., Canada and England.

According to Dow Jones Business News, the video allegedly came from a group responsible for a mall attack in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2013 that left 67 people dead. Additional fuel was added to the fire Sunday when Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said on CNN that anyone visiting the Mall of America in Minnesota should be "particularly careful."

Associations were more measured in their responses. The National Retail Federation was quick to point to the security measures that retailers across the country have implemented.

"In light of the security alert for U.S. malls, retailers are moving quickly to implement their top level emergency plans. That includes alerting personnel and shoppers to maintain a heightened level of vigilance at all times," NRF Senior Vice President Bill Thorne told the news agency. http://bit.ly/1Lv4zqV

The International Council of Shopping Centers issued a lengthy statement noting its industry has worked closely with state and federal officials on security since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

"While some security measures deployed at shopping centers such as the use of bollards, uniformed patrols by law enforcement officers, and surveillance camera systems will be evident to consumers, many more protective measures will not," the group said.

"When it comes to protecting and securing a shopping center, many factors are taken into consideration and security plans and procedures are customized to each center's unique characteristics. In short, there is no one-size-fits-all approach taken when it comes to developing and deploying a security program," it added.http://bit.ly/1EndCKo