Triangle Town Center officials have declared the mall's Youth Escort Policy (YEP) implemented on Oct, 3, is a successful step in maintaining a family-friendly, convenient and enjoyable shopping environment on Friday and Saturday nights.

"We have had an overwhelmingly positive response from individuals throughout the community and among our retailers since implementing the Youth Escort Policy in October," said Triangle Town Center General Manager Jack Love. "We have seen a substantial increase in the number of families shopping together and our visitors are once again enjoying a family-friendly, convenient and enjoyable shopping experience on Friday and Saturday nights."

The YEP was implemented in an effort to curtail the rising number of unsupervised youth hanging out at Triangle Town Center and related disturbances occurring there on Friday and Saturday nights, which is an issue that challenges malls across the country. These unsupervised youths create an uncomfortable atmosphere for mall visitors and present an increasing safety challenge. Mall management elected to implement the policy in response to feedback from government, youth service organizations and business leaders from the Raleigh area.

"We realize the policy is an adjustment for the many unsupervised teens that have previously come to the mall on Friday and Saturday nights," said Love. He stressed that teens are still welcome to visit the mall on Friday and Saturday nights, as long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. "We want all youth and their families to feel welcome at Triangle Town Center on Friday and Saturday nights," said Love. "We are delighted to see more and more families enjoying the mall together on the weekends."

Love said that since the implementation, there have been no incidents with youths. He attributes this to a combination of the policy and parents who have really taken responsibility and found alternative activities for their children.

He also said the issue of unsupervised youth is a community-wide challenge, and Triangle Town Center will continue to partner with the community and participate in discussions that address appropriate, supervised activities for youth.

Teens employed at the mall will be allowed to work after 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, and Triangle Town Center will issue identification to teens under 18 for ease of access to work during these times.

Triangle Town Center, owned by CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. features more than 165 specialty stores and restaurants and is home to Barnes & Noble, Dillard's, HudsonBelk, Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue and Sears. Triangle Town Center is conveniently located at the intersection of I-540 and Capital Boulevard. For more information, visit on-line at http://www.triangletowncenter.com/shop/triangle.nsf/index and click "About The Mall".