FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

November 10, 2022                                                               

Contacts: Captain John Marshall                                       Joe Bell

Public Information Officer                                       Director of Corporate Communications

Niles Police Department                                         Cafaro Company                 

jmarshall@thecityofniles.com                                jbell@cafarocompany.com

220-652-9944                                                           330-743-7688

724-730-4532 (Mobile)

A High-Tech Eye for Safety

New Camera Technology Keeping Watch Over Eastwood Mall Area

            The Eastwood Mall Complex has partnered with the City of Niles and the Niles Police Department to deploy Flock Safety Cameras in strategic locations around the mall property.   These sophisticated cameras are able to capture detailed images of vehicles and license plates and generate useful evidence that can be used to investigate and prosecute crimes.   These cameras will help enhance the safety of the community and provide a powerful tool for the Niles Police.

The rollout of the camera system began in August and has already borne fruit in terms of fighting crime.  To date, 15 cases have been resolved because of information from the Flock system.  The most recent involved an incident on November 7.  At approximately 3pm, 36-year-old Christopher Doll of Niles allegedly stole more than $600 in clothing and jewelry from the JCPenney store at Eastwood.  Within minutes, a Flock camera captured an image of Doll getting away on a bicycle.  Robbery charges have been filed against Doll.

On September 23, the system identified a stolen minivan as it entered the mall property and alerted police.  Officers quickly located the vehicle, which was driven by 48-year-old Sheldon Robinson. Police arrested Robinson and recovered the vehicle.  Several law enforcement agencies were already seeking Robinson for four active felony arrest warrants.

Flock Safety, based in Atlanta, Georgia, provided its technology to approximately 1,200 law enforcement agencies, as well as to many other businesses and homeowner associations.  Its automatic license plate readers (ALPR) include patented Vehicle Fingerprint™ technology, which leverages machine learning and computer vision to break down the captured evidence into searchable queries.

This new level of technology enhances the high-definition camera system already in place at the Eastwood Mall.  “Our team is incredibly fortunate to work for an owner that has made substantial investments in top-of-the-line camera systems at our properties.” Said Jim Williams, Director of Information Technology.  “This technology allows us and our security team to monitor our properties in real time as well as export clear images and recordings to assist law enforcement in apprehending anyone who chooses to break the law.” This, along with other layers of mall security, are designed provide an atmosphere that is safe and comfortable for all law-abiding individuals who visit or work at the mall complex.

The Eastwood Mall Complex is located at 5555 Youngstown-Warren Road, in Niles, Ohio.  It is one of America’s largest shopping complexes, with more than 200

department stores, specialty shops, restaurants, hotels and entertainment options.  The

Eastwood Mall Complex is owned and managed as part of the Cafaro family of companies, based in Niles, Ohio. For more information, visit online at: www.eastwoodmall.com and www.cafarocompany.com.

###