Denver Beefs Up 16th Street Mall Security

Visitors to Denver’s 16th Street Mall can expect to see a lot more police officers this summer, as part of a plan to combat crime along one of the city’s main tourist hubs.

The Denver Police Department is budgeting more than a half-million dollars to temporarily beef up patrols along the pedestrian thoroughfare. Lighting will be improved. And prosecutors will ask judges to ban some repeat offenders, including aggressive panhandlers, from returning to the area. Other actions include:

  • Enforcing sidewalk encumbrance violations
  • Having Animal Protection Officers address complaints about pets on the mall
  • Closing six alleys as well as providing additional alley inspections.

The 16th Street Mall is one of Denver’s top tourist destinations, but the city has struggled with how to deal with the area’s homeless population.

Fox31 News reports that Denver Mayor Michael Hancock blames recent altercations on, “scourge of hoodlums” invading the mall.