Several Nanaimo RCMP officers descended on Woodgrove Centre after a threat was made against the mall Tuesday morning. (Spencer Sterritt/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

threat made

Nanaimo RCMP deem Woodgrove Centre all clear after threat made

Jan 19, 2021 | 11:36 AM

NANAIMO — RCMP temporarily closed Woodgrove Centre Tuesday morning after a threat was made against the property just prior to opening.

Officers arrived on scene around 10:15 a.m. and conducted a search of the building, including using a Police Service Dog. RCMP deemed the mall clear at 11:20 a.m.

“We’ll have several police officers on scene [through the day] just to check some areas the public did not have access to. The mall is safe to re-enter,” Cst. Gary O’Brien said.

The mall was temporarily closed to new shoppers while police conducted their search, however the building was not evacuated at any point and nothing suspicious was found.

Mall employees were asked to remain inside stores throughout the process.

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The nature of the threat is unknown.

O’Brien added these incidents tie up considerable police resources and cause a significant amount of fear.

“We need to get to the bottom of it but at the same time we need to look at it as a credible threat and until such time it’s deemed not credible, we have to take these measures to ensure the safety of the public.”

Police are asking the public for any information related to the threat to contact the detachment at 250 754 2345.

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