the local mall? Don't they have lights there?
Aren't other people around?

Or did they help the thieves?

I hate when I go shopping and 1/2 the wheels on my ride are gone....
and I can't go back in and buy more wheels....

Most Malls around here are huge and there parking lots are real big. These guys get it done in less that a few minutes. Lights are not going to keep it safe. Most people are self absorbed and not interested in much more than there own agenda. Like buying the latest car from Japan.