As the holidays get closer, retail shoppers in the Killeen-Harker Heigts area are out in higher numbers — and so is law enforcement.
It was three years ago that a man — described as 6-foot tall, medium build, last seen wearing a white beanie, a white mask, white gloves and dark colored clothing — approached the counter at the Finish Line retail store in the Killeen Mall and opened fire on an employee The victim survived and the motive was unclear, but the many holiday shoppers in the mall that evening had quite the scare.
That was on Dec. 7, 2021, and police said this week that no one has been arrested in the case.
According to Aegis Technologies, a world-wide security company based in Virginia, robbery opportunities rise with crowds in streets and malls for holiday shopping, dining out and attending events.
Police are also warning about a crime called “bank jugging,” a term used to describe suspects who sit in a bank parking lot or near an ATM and watch customers go in and out. Suspects will follow customers they believe have withdrawn cash and look for an opportunity to burglarize their vehicles or rob them directly.
Kids and Car Safety, a nonprofit dedicated to child safety reminds the public not to leave children unattended in vehicles.
“More than 65,000 vehicles are stolen, and almost 200,000 are burglarized each year,” according to the organization. Over Thanksgiving, Kids and Car Safety reported 11 incidents nationwide where kids were left alone and the car was stolen.
The Killeen Mall appeared busier than usual this week, judging by the number of cars in the parking lot during business hors. Killeen Mall management did not return requests for comment.
Killeen Police Chief Pete Lopez has prepared his town with additional officers and issued a statement to the Herald.
“Our commitment to your safety remains our top priority, and together with the community, we will ensure that our mall and local businesses are welcoming and secure areas for everyone,” Lopez said. “As the holiday season is in full swing, our department is dedicated to ensuring the safety of citizens while visiting our local businesses. Shopping areas are important gathering places for our community, and we recognize the importance of providing a secure environment for families and individuals alike.”
To enhance safety, Lopez said the department has deployed additional officers to patrol business areas.
“We encourage all shoppers to remain aware of their surroundings, secure their belongings and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement or mall personnel immediately,” Lopez said. ”Your awareness and cooperation are vital in maintaining a safe environment.”
Shoppers in Market Heights have noticed their own security force in the form of the Harker Heights Police Department Command Center RV. The police department staffs the vehicle with trained officers who are familiar with the types of crime prevalent at this time of year. “The Command Center is mobile,” Heights Police Chief Betaile Hawkins said. “And, I encourage anyone in the area to stop by and say, ‘hello.’”
The Harker Heights Command Center, according to Crystal Thomas with HHPD, could be deployed to a number of locations in the city.
“They patrol the Harker Heights Walmart lots and surrounding areas,” Thomas said. “And they are working other areas of the city where residents can be found shopping local for the holidays.”
Five Hills Shopping Center and Cove Terrace both house many retail spaces for shoppers to frequent in Copperas Cove. According to Lt. Krystal Baker with the Copperas Cove Police Department, it’s typical for Copperas Cove to increase patrols and officer presence in shopping centers and other high-traffic areas during the holiday season.
“This proactive approach is part of our ongoing effort to deter criminal activity and provide peace of mind for shoppers and businesses,” Baker said. “The holiday season often brings increased foot traffic and opportunity, which can lead to an uptick in criminal activity, so we prioritize heightened visibility during this time.”