New Security At Walmart

Saw this today at Walmart in Oxford, AL

Apparently this is the parking lot surveillance tower at the Walmart. It belongs to the Oxford PD. I couldn’t tell if there was anybody in the observation room. There is no ladder for anyone to climb, so it must get lowered to get a passenger and then raised back up. I’ve never seen one of these before. The windows are tinted.

Just needs a torrent gun mounted on top and some barbwire and fencing around the perimeter, too.

Is there trafficking or some criminal activity that warrants such a presence taking place at this property?

Don't think it would be used just for petty theft offences.

Seems pretty serious stuff is happening, or they just want us to get use to more surveillance in public spaces?

Just needs a torrent gun mounted on top and some barbwire and fencing around the perimeter, too.

Is there trafficking or some criminal activity that warrants such a presence taking place at this property?

Don't think it would be used just for petty theft offences.

Seems pretty serious stuff is happening, or they just want us to get use to more surveillance in public spaces?

There must be a story behind something so unusual in a Walmart parking lot. Maybe it’s the police department’s deer stand. Lol.

I have seen 2 of these in the Walmart parking lot in Ocala, Fl. on Hwy 40. Seems the neighborhood surrounding the store isn't the best.

I have seen 2 of these in the Walmart parking lot in Ocala, Fl. on Hwy 40. Seems the neighborhood surrounding the store isn't the best.

Navy, I think you identified the reason. This Walmart was also in a sketchy area. Probably trying to prevent car break-ins and car thefts.

I have seen these many times in mall parking lots.

I have seen 2 of these in the Walmart parking lot in Ocala, Fl. on Hwy 40. Seems the neighborhood surrounding the store isn't the best.

We've had a similar one in the parking lot of our Walmart, for at least a couple of years. While I wouldn't say the neighborhood around the store is the best, they don't put Walmarts (at least where I live) in the middle of gated communities. It just seems crime is getting worse in many areas, for a number of reasons. I don't want to hijack this into a political discussion.

I doubt that thing is manned at all, probably equipped with additional cameras inside those tinted windows, allowing for 360 degree scanning of the lot. It may also be that the store can pay less for this, than physical police patrols and/or rent-a-cops.

For years I've said; I can't wait for the day I can afford to not shop at Walmart.

Highly unlikely it's actually got someone inside.....It's their "Scarecrow" haha was a old Wal-Mart in Victorville, Calif. Was always something goin' down....A couple murders even, was closed once the Super WM was built closer to the I-15.....The city is called "Victim-Ville" by locals.....Actually there are like 3 Super WM's in the area, 1 on east side of 15 in Hesperia, 1 on west side bit north opposite side of I-15, other 1 I forget, never went there....

The city is called "Victim-Ville" by locals....

Ahhh, not just the locals. I've been referring to it as VictimVille, for years. I was yacking on the CB with another driver one night heading west on -40, and that's what he called it. That stuck with me, so I've used it ever since.