Juveniles threaten Sunrise Mall employees, attempt to break into store

By Sara Beth Williams–
Several juveniles reportedly attempted to break into a store within the Sunrise Mall on Monday, according to employees who work inside the mall.

The juveniles, who have reportedly been seen riding bikes through the mall in recent months, “tried forcing the roll-up door open” on a local business inside the mall during open business hours on Sept. 2, an employee told The Sentinel this week.

The employee, who wished to remain anonymous due to safety concerns, said the roll-up doors had been temporarily pulled down during regular business hours because they had been personally threatened by the group of youths in the past. When members of the group attempted to force the door up on Monday, employees called police.

According to store employees, the group has a “standing trespass order from the entire mall property,” and management said employees have been instructed to call 9-1-1 if the suspected juveniles are seen on the property.

Sunrise MarketPlace Executive Director said Tuesday that she was “very aware of the situation,” but directed Sentinel staff to the Sunrise Mall for comment. Representatives with Namdar Realty Group, majority owner of the mall, did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Citrus Heights Police confirmed that the incident was reported to dispatch on Monday, but said the three suspects reportedly involved were gone upon arrival. According to police, the department is aware of a group of juveniles going through the mall on bikes “causing problems,” but police said the individuals have not been causing “criminal threats that we’re aware of.”