Security increased at Old Orchard after mall terror threat

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A threat against malls isn't keeping shoppers from Westfield Old Orchard Mall, where officials tightened up security.

Homeland Security officials said there is no credible evidence of a specific plot despite the release of a new video from a Somalian group with ties to al-Qaida urging followers to attack shopping malls in the U.S., Canada, Britain and other western countries.

"I think that's what they want us to feel like, frozen in time," Michelle Bastian said.

The video mentions the Mall of America in Minnesota, Canada's Edmonton Mall, and any Westfield Mall.

"I can't let that keep me away and stop living. It's horrible. Then they've won," Robinn Williams said.

Westfield Corporation released a statement, "There is no evidence of an imminent threat to our shopping centres but as always Westfield Corporation will take every available step to keep our shopping centres safe for staff, retailers and customers."

At Old Orchard, the director of mall security is in contact with Skokie police. Authorities asked the mall to remain alert and increase patrols of the property.

"Our security here is always on top of everything. They're walking around al hours of the day and all hours of the night," Catherine Ballentyne, mall employee, said.