After Omaha shooting, officials discuss local store security

WILMINGTON -- The shooting rampage in Omaha has sent shockwaves across the country. Are we prepared here in Wilmington for an event like that, and are local shoppers concerned?

An incident like this highlights the importance of having a security plan in place. The vice president of the company that operates Independence Mall says at all times, the mall takes necessary measures to make guests and retailers are safe.

The mall has a full security staff on duty at all times. But law enforcement officials say often, the best way to prevent violent incidents from happening is to be aware of your surroundings and pay particular attention to non-verbal communication from the people around you.

WPD Capt. Marshall Williamson said, "You get that inner feeling that something's not right about that person. Maybe they're carrying a package in a specific way, their hands may be in their pockets, the clothing may not match the environment, they could be talking to themselves."

Officers say you should notify them or security right away if you notice anything out of the ordinary and let them determine whether the threat is a credible one.

A mall spokesperson could not elaborate on exactly how many security personnel they have in place or tell me whether they have cameras inside the mall.

But authorities say even with technological advancements, nothing is 100 percent.