Danbury PD address human trafficking rumors

The Danbury Police Department issued a press release that addressed recent postings on social media that alleged a human trafficking problem at the mall.

It has come to our attention that there have been numerous recent postings on social media alleging a human trafficking problem at the Danbury Fair Mall. The posts also allege that the incidents of human trafficking have been confirmed by both the Danbury Police and mall officials. There is no validity to these allegations at this time.

This past weekend there was one complaint of a suspicious male who was allegedly following a group of youths in the mall. Both Danbury Police and Mall Security responded and concluded that there was no criminal aspect. The male in question has no known criminal history.

While we acknowledge that human trafficking can take place anywhere we have no evidence or information at this time to support any allegations that it is a problem at the Danbury Fair Mall.

As a general rule, the public is encouraged to employ the following crime prevention tips in an effort to avoid becoming crime victims:

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times and trust your instincts. If you think you are in an area you should not be, you probably are

• Walk in well-lit areas avoiding short cuts through alleys and parking lots

• Keep purses and packages tucked securely between your arms and body

• Vary your route while jogging/walking and/or go with a friend

• If you are being followed, change directions, cross the street, go into public buildings, call the Police Department

• Carry some type of noisemaker (i.e. whistle) to deter an attacker and attract the public’s attention

Released by Det. Lt. Mark Williams.