December 01, 2005

Counter-terrorism task force beefs up shopping center security

MidHudsonNews.com

As the holiday shopping season goes into full swing, the New York State Counter-Terrorism Zone 4 unit comprised of police in Rockland, Orange and Sullivan counties yesterday activated its team with random checks of high profile areas in the region.

Law enforcement officers were at shopping centers and other highly trafficked areas yesterday discussing terrorism indicators and distributing “See Something Say Something” flyers.

State Police Troop F Captain Michael Cahill said shoppers should be vigilant and look for anything out of the ordinary. “Look for things like unattended packages at the mall; vehicles parked curbside unattended for long periods of time; individuals acting suspicious in the mall, whether it be sweating profusely; individuals who have outrageous conversations that are overheard,” he said. If you see or hearing anything suspicious, Cahill said you should call the police terrorist hotline at 1-866-SAFE-NYS.

Orange County Sheriff Carl DuBois said it is important to have the assistance of the general public. “It’s a great partnership having all those extra sets of eyes out there for law enforcement,” he said.

In Rockland County, police were at the Palisades Center, Nanuet Mall and Wal-Mart. They will also conduct commercial vehicle checks on Route 303 in the Town of Orangetown and Route 59 and Exit 14S on the Thruway.

In Orange County, police were at Woodbury Common and the Galleria at Crystal Run in the Town of Wallkill.

In Sullivan County, police were at Route 42 corridor stores and conduct commercial vehicle checks in the Town of Thompson.

The state Counter-Terrorism Zones were established after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.