Raven
Monday, January 14th, 2008, 08:10 AM
Tricia Cruz (Greece, N.Y.) - When Frank DiBiscglie heard about what happened at the Regal Cinemas behind his house in Greece, he wasn't surprised.
"I have a concern, because yes, there have been incidents at this mall here," said DiBiscglie.
A number of people who live near Greece Ridge Mall said one of their biggest concerns involved rowdy kids who hang out in the area.
On Friday night, Greece Police were called to the movie theater after a fight involving a large number of teens. The fight began inside the theater, before it ended up outside.
Three people were cut with a sharp object, with one of the victims needing medical attention.
DiBiscglie fears incidents such as this one could drive people away from Greece Ridge.
"People are starting to become afraid to go to the mall," said DiBiscglie. "I know my wife at times says, 'Geez, I hope things don't happen when I go there.'"
But Lieutenant Steve Wise said the Greece Police Department's latest figures show crime at Greece Ridge is on the decline.
"I can tell you at Christmas time...no cars broken into, the rate of shoplifters are down," he said.
Lieutenant Wise thinks some people are confusing perception with reality, believing the mall is an out-of-control place. He said calls for Greece Police to the mall have dropped throughout the years.
Fritz Gunther is one Greece resident, who is not worried about the safety at Greece Ridge.
"I'm concerned that it's probably an isolated incident that happens to be a movie theater, where a lot of kids seem to be coming," Gunther said. "But it's nothing I would concern myself with. They (the police) seem to be taking care of everything well."
Lieutenant Wise said one full-time officer is assigned to Greece Ridge daily, and additional officers work during weekends and holidays.
Greece Police are still investigating what sparked the fight. They said they have been given different accounts to what happened at the movie theater.
Source (http://www.13wham.com/mostpopular/story.aspx?content_id=0fe2564c-44a0-44ea-a2c6-1549992f28fe)
"I have a concern, because yes, there have been incidents at this mall here," said DiBiscglie.
A number of people who live near Greece Ridge Mall said one of their biggest concerns involved rowdy kids who hang out in the area.
On Friday night, Greece Police were called to the movie theater after a fight involving a large number of teens. The fight began inside the theater, before it ended up outside.
Three people were cut with a sharp object, with one of the victims needing medical attention.
DiBiscglie fears incidents such as this one could drive people away from Greece Ridge.
"People are starting to become afraid to go to the mall," said DiBiscglie. "I know my wife at times says, 'Geez, I hope things don't happen when I go there.'"
But Lieutenant Steve Wise said the Greece Police Department's latest figures show crime at Greece Ridge is on the decline.
"I can tell you at Christmas time...no cars broken into, the rate of shoplifters are down," he said.
Lieutenant Wise thinks some people are confusing perception with reality, believing the mall is an out-of-control place. He said calls for Greece Police to the mall have dropped throughout the years.
Fritz Gunther is one Greece resident, who is not worried about the safety at Greece Ridge.
"I'm concerned that it's probably an isolated incident that happens to be a movie theater, where a lot of kids seem to be coming," Gunther said. "But it's nothing I would concern myself with. They (the police) seem to be taking care of everything well."
Lieutenant Wise said one full-time officer is assigned to Greece Ridge daily, and additional officers work during weekends and holidays.
Greece Police are still investigating what sparked the fight. They said they have been given different accounts to what happened at the movie theater.
Source (http://www.13wham.com/mostpopular/story.aspx?content_id=0fe2564c-44a0-44ea-a2c6-1549992f28fe)