Westchester Police monitoring social media for possible teen “takeovers”

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N.Y. - Westchester County police are closely monitoring social media activity and working with local law enforcement to “discourage” so-called teen “takeovers” of retail venues and other public spaces.

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, police said.

 Eighteen people were arrested and several people were hurt.

The “teen takeover” trend – which has been around for a few years -- refers to large, flash-mob style gatherings of teens in public spaces. While some are peaceful, lately others have turned chaotic. Fights, vandalism, gun violence, and injuries have occured, according to media reports.

The Department of Public Safety and its Real Time Crime intelligence center are keeping on top of the situation and patrol officers are prepared, the WCPD said, to “respond to assist any municipality if needed in the event a disruptive takeover occurs.”

Commissioner Terrance Raynor asked teens to take the WCPD’s advice and to not participate in that type of activity.

“You can get hurt, other people can get hurt and you can be subject to arrest,” he said, also urging parents to talk to their kids about the “dangerous challenge being presented to youths via social media.”

County and local police reported that they’re aware of social media posts identifying various locations in Westchester as potential sites for a takeover.

Raynor urged the public to share any information they have about potential takeover targets or events.

The County Police maintain telephone and electronic tips lines so the public can provide information confidentially or anonymously.

They are:

Voice Tip Line: (800) 898-TIPS (8477).

Electronic Tips: Send email, text messages and small video clips to tips@wccops.com.

Via Mobile App: The WCPD Mobile App contains a home screen Submit a Tip button to enable tips to be sent confidentially or anonymously. It is available for Apple and Android phones. Enter Westchester County PD in the app store search bar to locate and download it.