The Cherryvale Mall is extending its “Youth Escort Policy” during the week of Christmas this year.
The Rockford mall is requiring all minors under 18 to be accompanied by an adult the day after Christmas. The same rule applies starting at 4 p.m. for the rest of the week.
The Youth Escort Policy, enacted earlier this year, aims to foster a safer shopping environment.
Melissa Cavanagh is with the Cherryvale Mall. She said nationwide statistics show an uptick of youths congregating at malls the day after Christmas and getting into altercations.
“It is just the trend – whether it’s a good trend or not – that the youth gather the day after Christmas and tend to end up in negative situations," she said.
Cavanagh said the mall stays proactive with its safety protocols.
“So we’re constantly evaluating our security procedures based on traffic patterns, the season, and other outside events," she said.
The mall will continue with normal enforcement on Friday and Saturday evenings after next week.
Anyone who appears to be under 18 is required to show valid photo identification.
