There used to be a time when going to the shopping mall was completely safe. Shoppers may have heard of occasional shoplifters and loitering teenagers, but rarely did they hear of muggings and shootings. Criminals obviously saw it differently.

Last week's mugging at Arundel Mills points out the need for shoppers to be aware of their surroundings and understand that crime can happen to them.

It also points out the need for mall owners to be vigilant about the criminal activity in and around their shopping centers.

According to police, a 24-year-old woman was surrounded by four teens in the parking lot of Arundel...