With area schools closed for winter break this week, Westchester County’ police are monitoring social media activity and working with municipal law enforcement partners to discourage so-called called teenager “takeovers” of retail venues and other public spaces.
In addition, the department’s patrol officers are prepared to respond to assist any community if needed in the event a disruptive takeover occurs.
“We are asking teens to take our advice about takeovers: do not participate in this kind of activity,” Commissioner Terrance Raynor said. “You can get hurt, other people can get hurt and you can be subject to arrest. We are also urging parents to speak with their children and advise them to ignore this dangerous ‘challenge’ being presented to youths via social media.”
On Monday, several hundred teens “stormed” the Bay Plaza shopping center in the Bronx, causing chaos and property damage and prompting a large response by the NYPD to control the crowd. Eighteen arrests were made and several people were injured in the melee.
Raynor urged business owners and other members of the public to alert police immediately if they observe any mass gatherings of youths at public spaces in Westchester such as malls, individual stores or shopping centers, libraries, and other public venues.
County and local police are aware of social media posts identifying various locations across Westchester as potential sites for a takeover. Raynor urged the public to share any information they have about potential targets or events.
County police maintain telephone and electronic tips lines so the public can provide information confidentially or anonymously. Call 800-898-TIPS (8477) or email tips@wccops.com.
