Shopping center parking lots present inherent security challenges as they frequently occupy a large space with low levels of activity and numerous hiding places for would-be attackers. A recent rash of strip mall violence across the country gives rise to questions of patron safety and security. What are shopping center owners doing to protect their patrons and deter crime?
In October, The News-Press reports, four people were killed and others were injured during two separate Fort Myers shopping center parking lot shootings within two days.
A woman was shot and killed “in the parking lot of a Point Loma Heights shopping center” on October 9th, per San Diego Union-Tribune reports.
“Three people were killed and another person was wounded in a shooting in the parking lot of a North Las Vegas strip mall,” on October 14th, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Victims of Parking Facility Violence: Know Your Rights
Shopping center patrons have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises of the establishment they are visiting, both inside a business and outside in the parking lot. By law, property owners are required to protect all patrons legally on the premises from any foreseeable harm. For example, should a shopping center owner have knowledge of prior violence on or near property, they have a responsibility to implement additional security precautions to protect patrons and deter such crime. Should a strip mall owner fail in this critical responsibility, they may be held civilly liable for any injuries, sexual assaults or wrongful deaths which occur as a consequence.
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Richardson Apartment Managers Crime Awareness Group
When one Arizona rape survivor found herself trapped in an apartment lease next door to her attacker, she fought to free herself and the hundreds of other victims suffering a similar, unjust circumstance.
Thousands of kids will head off to camp this summer, a childhood rite of passage where long lasting friendships and memories will be made. When selecting the right summer camp, many focus on fun activities and amenities, but it’s important to look beyond the shiny brochure and beautiful grounds. All too often children are injured at camp due to avoidable safety risks, such as under staffing, over crowding, a lack of staff training, or unsafe property conditions.
St. Petersburg Police and Apartment Owners Work Together for a Safer Community
Nightclubs are often targeted for criminal activity given late hours of operation, typically low levels of lighting, and a frequent presence of alcohol. By law, bar and nightclub owners are required to protect their patrons from any foreseeable harm.
Residents of independent and assisted living facilities have a right to be safe and secure in their homes and on the grounds of the property where they are living.
Fast food restaurants are often targets for criminal activity due to their (typically) easily accessible location and late night hours of operation.
Hotel owners are required by law to protect their patrons from any foreseeable harm. For example, should a hotel owner by aware of prior violence on or near their property, they have a duty to take security precautions to deter such crime in the future and to provide a safe and secure premises for their guests.
Victim Struck by Impaired Driver: The Legal Avenue to Justice, Compensation
North Carolina Pedestrian Accident: Victim’s Legal Avenue to Justice, Compensation
Following the recent Orlando nightclub tragedy, 
The Murray Law Firm has recovered millions of dollars for victims of nightclub security negligence and their families. More importantly, we help these victims and their families obtain the justice they deserve. The tragic common denominator behind all of these cases is that they may have been prevented with proper venue security and safety precautions.
Many families will be visiting hotel pools and spas during their summer vacation. While, zero-degree entry, waterslides, and hot tubs may be on the list of must-have hotel pool amenities, safe drainage and a recent inspection report are probably not.
The Metropolitan Police Department of Washington D.C. has published detailed safety guidelines to assist owners and managers of nightlife establishments in deterring crime and maintaining a safe premises. One goal of the publication is to reduce sexual assaults in nightclubs, bars and lounges. These guidelines are highlighted below.
The Memphis Police Department has released a set of safety tips to help residents protect themselves, while authorities continue to search for a possible apartment complex serial rapist.
Violent crimes often occur in parking lots, hotels, nightclubs, and apartment complexes. While property owners have a legal duty to protect patrons legally on their premises from any foreseeable harm, many fail to provide adequate security and safety measures.
The implementation of proper fire safety devices, procedures and training is the responsibility of hotel owners and managers and critical to the safety of hotel staff and guests. Travelers can also protect themselves by researching hotel fire procedures and evacuation plans before or during check-in.
The Murray Law Firm has recovered millions of dollars for victims of unsafe properties, and recently obtained a $29.25 million dollar verdict for one of our Clients.
College students living in on-campus dormitories or apartments need to be aware of potential fire hazards in their building and how to react in case of emergency. The National Fire Prevention Agency (
Every college campus safety policy is different, so parents and students should thoroughly research a potential institution’s policies before enrollment. 
The Murray Law Firm has an extensive and successful record representing victims of safety negligence. We have recovered millions of dollars for our Clients, and we recently obtained a $29.25 million dollar verdict for a victim of an unsafe property. We offer our legal assistance, if desired.
Shopping mall patrons have a right to feel safe and secure while on premises, whether shopping or walking to their car.
Hotel owners and managers are responsible for providing guests with a safe and secure premises during their stay. 
Gas station and convenience store robberies have increased over the last 10 years, according to FBI and NACS 
The Murray Law Firm has an extensive and successful record representing victims of workplace violence and retail security negligence. We have recovered millions of dollars for our Clients, and recently obtained a $29.25 million dollar verdict for a victim of an unsafe property. We offer our legal assistance, if desired.
November marks the 35th anniversary of 
The 
Many nursing home residents are unable to protect themselves in the event of an emergency. As such, it is crucial that nursing home owners and staff prepare by implementing proper fire detection and protection measures as well as a detailed emergency evacuation training program.
The Murray Law Firm has recovered millions of dollars for victims of unsafe workplaces, and recently obtained a $29.25 million dollar verdict for one of our Clients.
Many travelers relax while on vacation, sometimes leaving themselves vulnerable to theft and assault. While security measures are not typically part of the hotel selection process, Independent Traveler suggests a little research may reduce a traveler’s risk of becoming a victim of hotel violence. We have highlighted some hotel safety tips below. Read the complete report at 
Nursing home residents suffer frequent falls, all too often resulting in permanent disabilities, reduced quality of life and fatality. While physical health often contributes to these falls, many causes are the result of safety hazards, which may have been prevented.
Bars and nightclubs often employ security staff to oversee property access-control, prevent violence and protect patrons. These duties place nightclub security in potentially violent situations, giving security staff the opportunity to either escalate or deter violence.
Location. Price. Amenities. These are items most travelers look for when selecting a hotel or motel. Requirements that may not make a traveler’s hotel wishlist are: bright lighting; surveillance cameras; 24 hour security; and room key-controlled entry to the property.
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) reminds us, it is all too easy for a hotel vacation or business trip to turn to tragedy. While hotel and motel security begins with the owner and management, these basic guest safety guidelines may reduce guests’ risk of becoming a victim of theft or assault:
While a place we visit daily may not feel dangerous, many workplace parking lots leave employees vulnerable to theft, assault or vehicle break-ins. The parking lot design, location, security measures, and hours of operation can present or deter the risk of workplace violence.
All families have a right to provide a safe and secure home for their children. Yet, apartment complex security is all too often out of the hands of residents, leaving tenants at increased risk of intrusion or burglary. Safewise offers renters the following 
A peephole can keep you and your family safe by allowing you to see who’s at your door before you open it. If your door does not have a peephole, inquire about having one installed before you move in. When a questionable character is at your door, a peephole will help you and your children avoid any compromising situations.
In apartment complexes, exterior fire escapes can be lifesavers during an emergency, but their access to windows and balconies can also attract burglars. If your apartment has a fire escape, make sure it is stored properly off the ground, so intruders can’t reach your apartment.
Balcony doors are great for sunshine and views, but they can pose a hazard if they are not properly secured. An unsecured sliding door can provide an intruder with a relatively untraceable and quiet entrance to your place. While it’s important to always lock your balcony door when it’s not in use, many sliding doors have inadequate locks and come off their tracks with just a nudge. For optimal security, make sure to arm your sliding door with an inside bar lock or a pole on the track. You can also install a secondary locking mechanism with a metal pin inserted through the doorframe and into the sliding door.
Apartment and Hotel Pool Owner Responsibility
The DC Metropolitan Police Department has released their Best Practices for Nightlife Establishments report, outlining how nightclub owners can develop a safe nightlife atmosphere for patrons. While the full report addresses a variety of crucial nightclub security guidelines, including age verification, intoxication, employee training, and security procedures, this article specifically focuses on the DCPD best practices for preventing nightclub sexual assault.
A Jefferson City Police 
South Florida has been ranked as the fourth most dangerous metropolitan area for pedestrians, according to a recent report by the 
