MILLBURY, Mass. - The Millbury Police Department is assuring shoppers and employees at the Shoppes at Blackstone Valley that the outdoor mall is safe.

Earlier this month, police responded to a group of teenagers fighting at shopping center. When police arrived, another fight broke out. One teen assaulted an officer, and while they were being taken into custody, a second teen jumped on an officer's back.

The shoppes do not provide their own security and rely solely on Millbury police. Police Chief Brian Lewos said they always have extra officers on patrol Friday and Saturday nights and are staying vigilant with patrols.

"I want to assure everyone the mall is safe for visitors and employees,” Lewos said. “I would encourage parents who let their children go to the mall pick them up by 9:00 or 9:30 at night. Most of the stores close at that point and there really is no reason to be up there."

Lewos said they have a good working relationship with the owners of the mall. They have a meeting with them later this week where they'll discuss the possibility of the mall getting their own security.