Fullerton : Orangefair Mall to Get Police Substation

Beginning this week, city police will be operating a temporary substation at Orangefair Mall in an effort to deter increased holiday crime, an official said.

The substation will operate out of a vacant storefront during shopping hours at the mall “to provide evidence of police presence,” according to Sgt. Bud Lathrop.

“We are going to be there to provide safety and security to people and to become a visible source” for businesses and holiday shoppers, Lathrop said.

During this time of the year, he said, “the influx of people and the representation of wealth is going to be a target . . . . There are crooks out there and they want what we’ve got.”

The substation will be staffed by officers from the Community Services Bureau, Drug Abuse Resistance Education program and reserve officers, Lathrop said. At least four uniformed officers will be on duty from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. through Dec. 27.

Lathrop said an officer will be available at the substation to take minor crime reports. “We’re also going to have a pot of coffee on for people who want to come in and get out of the weather.”

Lathrop said street patrols--with uniformed and undercover officers--will be increased, as well as an “overall effort on the part of the Police Department.”