BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. (WBFF) — Law enforcement expert and National Police Association spokesperson Sgt. Betsy Smith says teen ‘takeovers’ are happening across the nation, taking up police resources, and potentially creating dangerous situations.
“We’ve got to look at this as an overall community problem and address it as such,” Sgt. Betsy Smith said. “We’ve got to stop saying ‘Oh, these are kids being kids.’ These gatherings can be dangerous. Very often, there is gang activity, and it also can prevent businesses from continuing to do business, which then affects the entire community.”
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On Saturday, Baltimore County Police officers could be seen around Towson Town Center as another ‘link up’ was being promoted on social media.
The Baltimore County Police Department said, “When the Department becomes aware of a planned gathering, resources are strategically and proactively deployed. Through patrol, aviation, drones, and real-time intelligence, precinct commanders are equipped with the most current information, allowing them to make informed decisions as situations develop.”
The Department also asks parents and guardians to stay engaged and aware of their children’s whereabouts. Teens can find themselves in large crowds quickly, so staying aware of their surroundings, talking through ‘what if’ scenarios, and having a backup plan to get home safely is key, especially if rideshares are not available.”
Signs can be seen posted inside Towson Town Center saying no minors allowed unaccompanied in the mall after 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Parental guidance is also posted on the mall’s website.
This recent planned gathering comes as the Towson Chamber of Commerce says the Towson Town Center is operating at a 26% vacancy rate of storefronts.
Most recently the Apple Store, Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill, and Capitol Luggage & Leather, which has been in the mall for 15 years, announced they will be parting ways with the mall.
Sgt. Smith said the message from police departments on the teen gatherings needs to be clear: this type of behavior will not be tolerated.
“If you put the word out that this is not going to be tolerated, then you absolutely need to follow through if this gathering occurs, and people who are arrested then need to be prosecuted,” Sgt. Smith said.
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