There’s nothing at DallasPolice.net that explicitly links all of these reported incidents near the corner of Park Lane and Central Expressway, but it doesn’t take one long to connect the dots.

18 WEDNESDAY

At 2 p.m., the rear driver’s side window of a silver 2012 Dodge sedan inexplicably shattered as the car traveled in the 7800 block of Park Lane.

At 6 p.m., two pellet guns were found in a department store at NorthPark Center.

Between 10 and 11 p.m., a gunman fired a shot into the window of an unoccupied office in the 9200 block of North Central Expressway. The bullet went through an interior wall and into a hallway, causing $3,000 worth of damage.

21 SATURDAY

At 8 p.m., police were alerted that a young man was seen carrying a gun at NorthPark Center. Officers found a suspect matching the witness’s description in the food court and discovered that he was carrying a BB gun. The young man was issued a citation for disorderly conduct and released to the custody of his 27-year-old mother.

We’ve fielded our share of bogus email forwards decrying the declining state of NorthPark Center, most notably a string of them in February referring to “gangs.” While we couldn’t corroborate those rumors, the latest viral email appears to be somewhat legitimate.

The email alleges that a gang beat up a Dallas Academy student near NorthPark last week, and that the manager of Macy’s refused to provide help when the bloodied teen’s friends brought him to the store to clean him up.

Here’s what we know:

• There was an assault on Jan. 2. According to Dallas police, “20 to 40″ people beat up a 17-year-old boy and two others in a parking lot in the 9100 block of North Central Expressway.
• The 17-year-old boy is a student at Dallas Academy, a school spokeswoman confirmed, and “a great kid.”
• NorthPark issued a statement through Androvett Media acknowledging the incident, but defending the actions of Macy’s employees. “Macy’s staff responded professionally and compassionately in assisting this young man by calling 911 and contacting the Dallas Police Department.”

We’ve tried to reach out to the 17-year-old’s parents. Look for more details in this week’s paper.

Thousands of shoppers searching for last-minute goodies, crowds of families screaming and laughing, salespeople running through the racks hoping to please their customers: nothing new at Christmas time at NorthPark Center. However, on my latest trip to the busy mall, I could not help but notice this year’s extra emphasis on giving. Outside Dillard’s and Macy’s, a variety of charities were soliciting busy shoppers to support their cause.

United States Marines stood strong in the center of the Toys for Tots booth. Along with sponsor Jack FM, the Marines collected unwrapped toys for underprivileged children in Dallas.

One by-product of a gift-hunting afternoon: hunger. It must have been hard for any weary shopper to pass up savory Christmas treats, especially when the profits benefit a good cause. Treats of Christmas was a display of treats that puts any high-school bake sale to shame. The goodies were donated by the Texas Chefs Association, and the sales supported the Union Gospel Mission and the North Texas Food Bank.

After sifting through clothing racks for hours, some shoppers gave up on finding that perfect material gift, and instead opted for one that is full of life. The SPCA was auctioning puppies for $185-$285 and older dogs for $95-$195.

I took my two young sons to see The Trains at NorthPark yesterday, and the looks in their wide eyes immediately told me we’d be returning for a second visit, if not a third. There’s only one downside to this benefit for the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. Once my wife and I decided it was time to go, we got to hear our 3-year-old tearfully plead, “I want to see the trains again” for the entire walk to the car and half the ride home.

One of the more common crimes each week in the Preston Hollow police blotter is shoplifting at NorthPark Center. Usually, the stolen shirts and pants are sprinkled about the mall.

But this week, all but one reported instance of shoplifting occurred at Macy’s. In most of the reports, the culprit was seen on video surveillance and apprehended as he exited the store. Looks like Big Brother has a new gig.

To check out all the week’s crimes, pick up a copy of Preston Hollow People at any of these fine locations.

The only explanation Dan and I could come up with for the double-thievery of  $50 worth of flash drives, is that the culprit placed the items in his Mercedes after pilfering them from a Mazda.

Then, the universe fought back.

Between 5 and 6 p.m. Oct. 20, a burglar broke into a gray 2010 Mazda at NorthPark Center and stole a $3,000 laptop, a $500 Tory Burch bag, two iPods valued at $400, a $200 black IBM laptop, a $100 Sony phone, an $80 black backpack, a $60 Packard Bell hard drive, five flash drives valued at $50, and a $25 Spanish passport.

And the very next day…

Between 1 and 1:40 p.m., a burglar broke into a black 2011 Mercedes at NorthPark Center and stole a $3,000 laptop, a $500 Tory Burch bag, two iPods valued at $400, and five flash drives valued at $50.

For more zany crimes, pick up a copy of the Oct. 28 edition of Preston Hollow People

It may be a week until Halloween, but some families did not get the memo. NorthPark Center kicked off the Halloween festivities at Saturday’s fundraiser, Sam’s Day. In the mall’s Center Park Garden, there were spooky activities such as an obstacle course, tattoos, balloon, magicians, cotton candy, snow cones, and popcorn. While this family fun day was free, donations were encouraged and benefited Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy. The event, formerly held at White Rock Lake, began six years ago in honor of Sam Killian, a 9-year-old boy with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Find out how you can support the cause here.

What do motorcycle jackets, bright bags, furry heels, and pencil skirts have in common? They are the fashion must-haves for this season. So maybe you are like me and not so caught up on the fall trends. Luckily for us, tonight is Fashion’s Night Out. The annual fashion event is held in cities around the world, including New York, Paris, Milan, and Dallas. The goal? To raise everyone’s excitement about the fashion season and to save on special after-hours shopping. There are countless invite-only parties throughout the area, but I am keeping my eye out for the affordable events close to the Hollow.

Stores throughout Dallas will be staying open late, offering one-time deals on their latest designs. At NorthPark Center there is live music from the Bart Marantz Jazz Ensemble, the Dallas String Quartet, and Brad Hanson. The night does not stop at fashion; samples will be available from La Duni and Bistro | N.

The Galleria Dallas, which often plays second fiddle to NorthPark extravaganzas, is pulling out all the stops tonight. A quarter-mile runway, the longest runway in America, will spread through the mall. The Fashion Show will run from 6 to 7 p.m, but the stores will stay open later. Not in the mood to take on mall crowds? Make the short trip to luxury fashion complex Highland Park Village. As you walk through the 20 boutiques, the village will keep you entertained with music, art showings, food, and cocktails.

To plan your night of saving and shopping, click here.

Only 266 more days until we can unpack our white pants, sunscreen, and popsicles. Labor Day weekend lets us squeeze out those last few summer moments. How did you celebrate? Some skipped the BBQ at home and opted for the annual Classical Picnic in the Park at NorthPark Center on Sunday. Families reclined in lawn chairs and blankets for a relaxing end-of-summer concert. Those that brought turkey sandwiches from home missed out on a selection of treats from NorthPark restaurants such as La Duni and Snappy Salads. The classical music set the carefree tone. All ages enjoyed the sounds of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra Chamber Ensemble and the Dallas Wind Symphony. Goodbye, summer; now bring on the breezy mornings, golden leaves, and football weekends.