Theft victim questions Grand Teton Mall’s security

A theft in broad daylight at the Grand Teton Mall parking lot has a family questioning the security of it.

Miranda Loder and her husband returned to their car Sunday afternoon to find $400 worth of gifts stolen. Loder said she always locks her doors and believes the lone then-open door was jimmied open.

“The wrapping paper was just laying,” said Loder. “They had taken it out of the bag and left it all.”

Loder called the police hoping security cameras had caught the crime.

“IFPD showed up, and he said, ‘I don’t know, I’m pretty sure there’s no cameras in the mall parking lot,’ and the security officer kind of got quiet about it,” said Loder.

Local News 8 and KIDK Eyewitness News asked Grand Teton Mall management if cameras are in the parking lot. Management declined to answer, but did offer this statement: “The safety and security of our shoppers, retailers and employees are our top priorities, not just during the holidays, but year-round. We utilize a customized public safety program that entails many different measures, including partnering with the Idaho Falls Police Department. While all the safety measures we employ may not appear to be visible, we can assure you that your safety is our top priority.”

Loder said her conversations with the mall led her to assume cameras were not in the parking lots.

“I guess my biggest shock is that it’s the biggest place here in town for shopping, especially around the holidays, and there’s no security cameras?” said Loder. “You can go to the local grocery store and there’s cameras everywhere.”

Loder continues to lock her doors, but knows it’s no guarantee.

“I started re-shopping today and I was locking it three times,” said Loder. “I was just nervous the entire time.”