Over 13 million people visit the Woodbury Common Outlets every year. That’s basically the entire population of Belgium walking through one shopping center. With numbers like that, questions about security naturally pop up. Here’s what you need to know about staying safe while shopping.
What Actually Happened: The December Incident
In December, a McDonald’s employee got caught recording people in a restroom near Market Hall using his cellphone positioned above bathroom stalls. Two victims spotted what was happening, confronted him on the spot, and called police. The 39-year-old from Newburgh faces felony unlawful surveillance charges. McDonald’s fired him immediately.
This was one incident among 13 million annual visits. The perpetrator no longer works there. Police pressed charges. The system worked. But it’s a good reminder to stay alert in public restrooms.
Understanding the Safety Context
To put safety concerns in perspective, it’s important to understand the scale of Woodbury Common Premium Outlets:
- 13+ million visitors annually
- 250+ retail stores across 150 acres
- 5,000+ employees during peak shopping season
- Open 363 days per year (closed only on Thanksgiving and Christmas)
- International destination with visitors from around the globe
With this volume of daily activity, Woodbury Common functions more like a small city than a traditional shopping center, requiring comprehensive security infrastructure and protocols.
Security Measures in Place
Woodbury Common partners with Allied Universal Security Services, one of North America’s largest security companies. Uniformed officers patrol the property 24/7, monitoring surveillance cameras covering common areas and parking lots. The place earned a StormReady designation from the National Weather Service and coordinates directly with Woodbury Police, New York State Police, and Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Security Hotline: 845-928-2128 (save this number)
Your Safety Essentials
Security guards can’t be everywhere. Watch your own back too:
- Parking: Choose well-lit spots, lock your car, hide valuables
- Shopping: Keep bags in sight, watch your cards at checkout, cover PINs at ATMs
- Kids: Hold hands in crowds, photograph what they’re wearing before leaving home
- Valuables: Don’t set shopping bags down while browsing—someone will grab them
When Something Goes Wrong
Act immediately. Don’t wait, don’t second-guess yourself:
- Emergency: Call 911
- Security issues: Call 845-928-2128
- Non-urgent help: Guest Services in Market Hall
- Follow-up: File police reports for serious incidents, document everything
Peak Shopping Days
Black Friday and holiday weekends bring bigger crowds and different risks. Woodbury Common boosts security presence during these times with extra traffic control and extended security hours. Stay extra vigilant—crowds create opportunities for theft and getting separated from kids.
What Could Improve
There’s always room for improvement. Regular security checks in restrooms would help. Better signage displaying security contact information. Security awareness campaigns. An emergency alert system through the Woodbury Common app. Enhanced employee training on recognizing suspicious behavior.
Want these improvements? Tell management. Feedback drives change.
The Bottom Line
Woodbury Common runs a professional operation with solid security measures. But security guards can’t be everywhere—you need to watch your own back too. The December incident reminds us that awareness matters in any public space.
With 13 million annual visitors, the vast majority walk away with nothing but shopping bags and credit card bills. Stay alert, take sensible precautions, and you’ll be fine. Your safety comes from a partnership between outlet security and your own smart choices.
Important Contacts
- Woodbury Common Security: 845-928-2128
- Guest Services: Market Hall (business hours)
- Woodbury Police: 845-928-2255
- All Emergencies: 911
