FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 14, 2026
CONTACT: Christine Cordon, City Manager
(714) 548-3178, ccordon@westminster-ca.gov
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WESTMINSTER, Calif. – The City of Westminster is aware of the recent illegal activities taking place at the Westminster Mall site and widely circulated on social media. The Westminster Police Department continues to work collaboratively with the mall’s owners to enhance security at the site.

Since its official closure on October 29, 2025, the site has seen an increase in illegal activities including vandalism and trespassing. The activity is mainly isolated to the mall building and has not been reported at auxiliary buildings such as Best Buy, Outback Restaurant, and Chase Bank.

Chief of Police Darin Lenyi states, “If you come to the mall to commit any type of crime, even trespassing, expect to get arrested.”

Since October 2025, the Westminster Police Department has responded to over 400 calls for service and made over 65 arrests for violations including trespassing, vandalism, possession of drugs, possession of stolen property, and obstruction/resisting arrest.

The 100-acre Westminster Mall site is privately owned by four independent owners: Kaiser Permanente, Shopoff Realty, True Life Cos., and Washington Prime Group. In 2022, the Westminster City Council approved a city-initiated specific plan which provides guidelines to redevelop the property. The plan allows up to 3,000 housing units, 600,000 square feet of upscale retail space, and 9.5 acres for parks; and requires 10 percent of the residential component consist of affordable housing.

The City of Westminster City Council and community members have expressed a strong desire to see the revitalization of this important commercial center. The project site provides a unique opportunity to reposition the mall site into a thriving destination and to accommodate the future growth of the city.

The City of Westminster continues to work closely with mall owners to develop the site. A demolition permit and plan have been submitted and are currently under review.

For media inquiries or more information on the recent illegal activities and security concerns, contact:

Commander Andy Stowers – City of Westminster Police Department
astowers@westminster-ca.gov
(714) 548-3746

Corynne Gordon – Shopoff Realty
cgordon@shopoff.com
(949) 417-4365

For general information, contact Linh Doan, City Manager’s office, at ldoan@westminster-ca.gov or (714) 548-3178.

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