A series of fights among teenagers broke out at Southcenter Mall Monday night, bringing a large police presence to Tukwila.

Officers said teens were fighting and large crowds gathered to watch.

Officers and security guards were escorting groups of teenagers off the mall property, one group after another, following the incidents.

Police said because of the fights, they were turning away groups of young people who were trying to come to the mall and asking parents not to bring them.

“We always staff up for this time of year and unfortunately, a lot of people let their kids come down here unsupervised and we get this type of behavior,” said Officer Mike Murphy with Tukwila police.

          In all, about five teens were detained for fighting. 

Police were already on high alert and had set up a mobile command center in the parking lot, in part because of a battle that erupted over new Air Jordan shoes early Friday morning.

               In addition, police said criminals often target cars that are filled with new electronics and gifts.

"Stealing in general goes up over the holidays.  We're trying our best to respond to that, but it's tough,” said Murphy.

The general manager of Southcenter says the mall's private security force has also been beefed up, but he wouldn't say by how many.