Westchester law enforcement is preparing for any “Takeover” like the one that happened in the Bronx on Feb. 16 at the Bay Plaza Shopping Center, where a few hundreds teens caused chaos and property damage, resulting in 18 arrests and several injuries.
The Yonkers Police Department posted, “We have long-established, well-practiced procedures in place for situations like this. These protocols have been developed, refined, and exercised over time, and we are fully prepared to respond to any level of unrest. Our department has significant personnel, specialized units, and regional partnerships ready to deploy at a moment’s notice. We have a responsibility to protect our residents, our business owners, and their property – and we approach that responsibility with seriousness, resolve, and zero hesitation.”
The City of Mt. Vernon posted, “Let us be clear: this is not being treated as youthful fun and games. Any effort that disrupts public safety, damage property, or negatively impacts the economic stability of our city will be addressed accordingly. We view any organized unlawful activity as a serious threat to both public safety and the economic well-being of Mount Vernon.”
The Westchester County Police Department stated, “The Department of Public Safety and its Real Time Crime intelligence center are monitoring social media activity and working with municipal law enforcement partners to discourage so-called called teen-ager “takeovers” of retail venues and other public spaces. In addition, the Department’s patrol officers are prepared to respond to assist any municipality if needed in the event a disruptive takeover occurs.
Commissioner Terrance Raynor said, “We are asking teens to take our advice about takeovers: do not participate in this kind of activity. 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.”
Raynor urged business owners and other members of the public to alert police immediately if they observe any mass gathering of youths at public spaces 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 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.
· 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.
One of the posted sites for another Takeover is a mall in the city of Yonkers.
