West Edmonton Mall’s new youth escort policy, which was implemented this week, restricts unsupervised individuals under the age of 18 from entering the mall after 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
This means that anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian after this time. The policy aims to create a safe and family-friendly environment for guests and to deter disruptive behavior by minors during peak evening hours. Security personnel will be enforcing the policy by checking IDs and monitoring entrances to ensure compliance.
The mall has stated that this policy is in response to a rising number of incidents involving unaccompanied youth causing disturbances or engaging in criminal behavior.
Directly from the WEM Website:
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Safety & Security
West Edmonton Mall Security is a nationally recognized department staffed with over 40 highly-trained personnel that prides itself on its high caliber security agents, exceptional training, crisis planning, lockdown drills and a forward thinking attitude. West Edmonton Mall Security is leading the way in innovation in Canada. Our K9 program and special operations plain clothes unit are examples. Each year, West Edmonton Mall Security agents respond to thousands of calls for service ranging from emergency situations to lost children to celebrity appearances. West Edmonton Mall Security has strong relationships with the Edmonton Police Service and other levels of law enforcement. The Edmonton Police Service has a dedicated foot patrol unit working here. We work closely with our law enforcement partners to monitor critical information every day, and we adjust and enhance our security practices as needed.
West Edmonton Mall security programs and the Edmonton Police Service expertise are in place daily to ensure a safe and family friendly environment for everyone.
Our state-of-the-art communications center employs the latest technology and monitors numerous cameras located throughout the parking decks, surface lots, common areas and World Waterpark and Galaxyland attractions around the clock. The Mall’s call box help phones are direct lines to the communication center or you can reach the center by calling 780-444-4444.
We would like to remind you to watch your valuables. For the security of our guests, please do not leave purses and other items unattended.
Also, please note that while at West Edmonton Mall, you may be subject to a security interview. Violators of any of the Mall Rules will be asked to leave the property or possibly be arrested.”