Mall rats were being exterminated left and right at Walnut Square Mall on Friday night.

It was the first night of the mall’s new Youth Escort Policy, which says anyone under 18 years of age must be escorted by a parent or guardian on Friday and Saturday evenings after 6 p.m.

The mall was filled with extra security personnel, off-duty police officers, mall management, even representatives from the mall’s corporate office, CBL & Associates Properties Inc., in Chattanooga — and several unescorted teens who arrived without knowledge of the new policy were turned away.

Casey Henson, 18, was caught in the uncomfortable position of looking as if he could be 17.

“I’ve been stopped three times — by a cop, a security guard, and somebody in a suit. I think it’s bull,” Henson said. “They’ll keep the little idiots from causing trouble, but if they keep doing this, I can’t keep coming here.”

Henson was visiting with a half-dozen friends near the food court, including 18-year-old Drew Wilson.

“They’ll cool the gang activity out,” Wilson said.

Overall, feelings about the policy seemed to be mixed.

Adam Becerril and Louis Maqueda, both 23, were turned away shortly after 6 p.m. by a security officer stationed at the mall entrance beside CVS Pharmacy. Neither had his identification with him.

“It’s bad for people from Mexico who don’t have an ID,” Becerril said.

However, families seemed to approve of the policy.

“It’s a good thing, but I would have hated it when I was younger,” said Courtney Yaeger, who was shopping with husband Donald and daughter Emily, a 9-year-old student at Calhoun Elementary School.

“I guess I’m thinking of the older kids, but 6 p.m. sounds a little early to me,” Donald said.

Charlotte and Martin Berrow of Conasauga, Tenn., were looking for sunglasses with daughters Damaris, 13, a Chilhowee Middle School student, and Tekoa, 17, a Polk County High School student.

“It’s a great idea; really good,” Charlotte said. “Kids need it to keep them out of trouble.”