Destructive vandalism at the Vernon Park Mall

Unknown suspect(s) broke into the Vernon Park Mall sometime between September 10, 2021 in the evening and the morning of September 16, 2021.  The mall is located at 834 Hardee Road in Kinston.

“A representative of Kane Realty Corporation reported a break-in to the mall on September 20, 2021,” said Interim Chief of Police Jenee Spencer. 

It is unsure exactly when this incident took place. The last time the mall was secure was September 10, 2021. At the time of this article it is unknown who or how many people are involved in this investigation. 

Mayor Dontario Hardy believes it was most likely juveniles. He said “extra patrols would be in rotation as well as making the parking lot well lit.” 

The west side of the mall had a glass door broken out. Fire extinguishers were also used on this side of the building. Graffiti was painted on the outer walls of the east side of the mall. The subject(s) also broke out two other glass doors - one in the old Vick’s Cleaners building and one in the old Duck Bingo building - both located adjacent to the mall.

At the time of this publication, the investigation is still ongoing and currently there are no known suspects involved in this incident. Kinston officials are working with the new owners of the mall to ensure the security of the property.

Prior to the purchase, the mall was unsecured for years. The mall was recently sold for $2.7 million. It was bought by David and Lois Tsui, out of Chapel Hill. The recent owners have been made aware of the incident. Since the mall has been closed for so long, this is not the first break in or vandalism incident.