What to do in 'No firearms allowed' zones

Q: Are "no firearms allowed" zones such as malls, theaters and other private property backed by force of law in Washington state, or are they simply requests? -- Bill, Bellevue A: Unless you're a sworn police officer, you cannot carry a concealed weapon into any area that's a posted "no firearms zone." If you do, you could be in violation of criminal trespass. Lastly, remember this: I know of no law where it requires the owner of that property to provide any kind of a safety box for your firearm, so leave your firearm in a locked area and just don't carry them into those no firearms zones. -- Retired detective Myrle Carner, Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound