Shuttered Mall Overrun by Vandals

The once-bustling shopping center closed at the end of October after several decades in business. Since then, videos shared with News Of Losangeles show graffiti tagging walls and broken glass scattered across the property.

Eyewitness Account

A man who identified himself only as “Same1” was at the empty plaza overnight Wednesday when he witnessed the destruction firsthand.

“I thought it was ridiculous,” he said. “Mostly young people just breaking things.”

Same1 estimated he saw about 60 people inside the mall. According to his account, the group spray-painted walls and shattered windows throughout the property.

“No security, nothing. No security guard,” he added.

Community Concerns

Alexis Malatesta, who grew up visiting Westminster Mall, launched a social media page to share her nostalgia for the space. She expressed distress over watching the property deteriorate.

“It’s very scary because it’s only a matter of time before something dangerous is happening inside the structure,” Malatesta said. “They’re not doing enough to keep people out and protect it.”

The mall’s decline represents more than just property damage to longtime residents. For many, it marks the loss of a community gathering place that once housed shops and eateries central to local life.

Police Response

The department stated it is working with the four owners of the property to increase security measures. News Of Losangeles has reached out to those owners for comment, though no response has been provided yet.

Redevelopment Uncertainty

According to city officials, there is no set timeline for when the mall will be developed into a mixed-use retail and residential space. The property sits in limbo as plans for its future remain undefined.

This uncertainty has created a vacuum that vandals have exploited. Without active businesses or consistent security presence, the vacant mall has become a target for destruction.

Security Gaps

The eyewitness account highlights a critical security failure. Same1 reported seeing no security personnel or police officers during the time he observed the vandalism.

This absence of oversight has allowed repeated incidents to occur. The police department’s 250 responses indicate an ongoing problem that extends beyond isolated events.

Impact on the Community

For residents like Malatesta, the mall’s transformation from community hub to vandalized shell represents a broader loss. The property that once hosted family outings and shopping trips has become a symbol of urban decay.

The safety concerns extend beyond property damage. As Malatesta noted, the unchecked access to the structure raises fears about potentially dangerous activities occurring within the abandoned building.

Moving Forward

Westminster police continue to coordinate with property owners about security improvements. However, without a clear redevelopment timeline or permanent security solution, the cycle of vandalism and police response continues.

The mall sits as a reminder of how quickly a once-vibrant commercial center can deteriorate when left unprotected and without a clear future purpose.