Shootings, sex assaults, armed robberies-- the malls can be dangerous. December 2005: Gunfire erupts at Southridge Mall. One person is wounded.

Chief Dams of the Greenfield Police Department talks about the incident. "It was quickly resolved. Lots of people taken into custody and the severity of charges issued by the da... There's a no tolerance that's going to be taking place here."

Gunfire at area malls is not common. But crime is. And shoppers know it. Even the threat of just feeling unsafe is enough to keep many away from the mall. This is undercover video taken inside Mayfair this past weekend. Large crowds of unruly teens can be intimidating to shoppers like Chris Kent.

"You do have a lot of loitering going on like in the upper level...People standing around in big groups. I guess that could be a little intimidating."

At southeast Wisconsin's five major malls there were more than 5000 police calls in 2005... Many of them at night.

"I just feel nervous whenever I'm out at night...Whether it's at this mall or any other mall. A lot of crazy things go on nowadays," another shopper tells us.

Three years later there are still problems at Mayfair. More than 1900 police calls last year. 430 of them for theft. Including 25 cars. 225 disorderly conduct calls. Five aggravated assaults. And three weapons calls.

"It makes us nervous. It's sad. I don't like to see that happen here at this mall," another shopper tells us.

Look at Brookfield Square. Take one day. November 5th 2005: A call for a sexual assault. 12 hours later a call for shots fired. 30 thefts during the year. Four fights.

A month ago a 14 year old is shot at Southridge after a gang fight moves from inside the mall to the parking lot.

Turns out, 2005 was busy for police at Southridge. There were two weapons violations. Nine assaults. 47 disorderly conducts. And 405 thefts.

"Many times our officers who are out there know that a problem is beginning to evolve and they take necessary measures to be there. I would say 98% of the time we're there before it even goes down and we're able to squelch it right there," Chief Dams tells us.

Regency mall in Racine. 704 police calls last year. Including one for an abduction. Four for weapons. Nine assault calls... and four robberies. Glendale police did not give us stats for 2005. In 2004 police responded to almost 2000 calls at the mall.

Malls are busy places. Lots of people. Lots of opportunity for crime. Malls have increased security...Especially at night. Experts do recommend you not go the mall alone at night. If you do make sure you park in a well lit area.