Signs on fences and signs at the Aurora Village Shopping Center in Shoreline send a public warning to those who hire day laborers.
The recently posted signs are located at the center’s entrances along 205th Street and inform contractors and other individuals who hire day labor that their information will be sent to federal, state, and local authorities.
These signs and others on light poles throughout the parking lot of Home Depot and other businesses that share the parking lot within the Aurora Village Shopping Center are legitimate, according to Shoreline police Sgt. Kevin Fagerstrom.
“The owner of the property is allowed to post the signs,” Fagerstrom said. “From what I understand, the company position is that (groups) are welcome to conduct business but if they are clearly loitering in the lot, then the company asks that they leave.”
The property is owned and managed by First Western Development located on Ballinger Way in Edmonds. Company officials declined to comment about the decision to put up the signs.
A private security company patrols the parking lot and is an authorized agent of the property owner, according to Fagerstrom. From the Shoreline Police Department’s perspective, he said, the security company photographs and records information about possible offenders who then receive written warnings.
Complaints about groups of mostly Hispanic men looking for work in the lot began one year ago. Police experienced few problems directly associated with the groups although a few citations were given.
In Fagerstrom’s opinion, however, the added security is having an impact. A male who was repeatedly seen loitering in the parking lot was criminally trespassed from the area within the past two weeks, he said.
“The property owners seem pleased with the result of private security and it is my understanding enforcement will continue,” Fagerstrom said.
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