Teen problem at Indy malls getting out of hand (Lafayette: 2013, mattresses)

[gabaghoul]

Police respond with show of force to Castleton mall disturbance

Simon must do more to stop mall fights; teens need adult escorts

IMPD chief to outline plan to curb teen violence

This is just ridiculous. Some problems are normal and justifiable. But the last thing this city needs is armed teenagers terrorizing family oriented malls. First it was Monument Circle then Lafayette Square then Broad Ripple now it's Castleton. I say militarize the malls with multiple police officers and k9 units, at least that will act as a deterrent.

[sweetana3]

Simon wont allow it. (according to an employee high in security.)

[gabaghoul]

Originally Posted by sweetana3

Simon wont allow it. (according to an employee high in security.)

Are they really bringing in that much revenue? I was at Castleton Square mall on Saturday 2 weeks ago, and most of these people were just standing in groups at Macy's and being obnoxious, they were not shopping or buying. Going to that mall on a Saturday night would be too risky for me. If you were there, you'd think it was a Lil' Wayne concert, not a family oriented peaceful shopping mall. A lot of these kids were throwing gang signs, which means IMPD should get more serious with Simon or malls in general.

[gabaghoul]

“We have a mobile population, and we’re going to have kids that are able to go if they’re being policed at one location,” said Judge Marilyn Moores, who works in Marion County’s juvenile court.

Source

"The teenagers who were not arrested were placed on an IndyGo bus to take them back to their neighborhoods. It is in those neighborhoods, specifically the parents of the kids causing trouble, that Harrison says need the most attention."

Source

They're saying that when the incidents at Lafayette Square occurred, it was predicted that these kids would go up north to Castleton, and that's exactly what happened. If police presence is stepped up at Casleton, the kids will go somewhere else. They're asking the parents from certain neighborhoods to be responsible. We all know, although some like to pretend not to know, that a lot of these kids don't even know their parents or are 10 years younger than their parents. Ideally, the parents should do something, but in reality I don't see that happening. Anyway, Carmel and Fishers, get ready, you're next .

[indy_317]

It will only get worse. There have been numerous incidents of these "flash mobs" of trouble makers showing up in popular areas with chaos ensuing. Kansas City, Illinois, Indiana, Oregon, etc.. It has been pretty much limited to local media exposure, and only goes nationwide on forums such as CD and others. The reasons are numerous, from family values and morals, to government involvement, to pop culture and social media. They all have a part in what we are seeing. Now things are really heating up. It was that these incidents were taking place during the summer break, now we are seeing them become a normal weekend thing, when school isn't in session. It will become horrible during the summer.

Simon doesn't want to ban all young people, especially at Circle Centre Mall. Too many youth from FFA, GenCon, and band and cheer competitions get into groups and go to the mall. Many likely spend some money, as for those from out-of-town, these trips are like mini-vacations, with parents giving the kids $20-$50 to spend outside of food. Maybe a better idea would be a no loitering policy. See a group hanging around, no bags, make them show a receipt for a recent purchase (saw within the last 30 mins.). No receipt, it is time to leave or get into the stores and shop. No hanging around, browse the racks. If they aren't doing that, escort them out.

[gabaghoul]

Originally Posted by indy_317

Now things are really heating up.

Man shot, killed in Lafayette Square Mall parking lot

Don't worry,things are only getting better ...anyway, I'll guess I'll be "going to the mattresses" and shopping online for a while until the heat cools down

[richb]

They should play classical music via loudspeakers in the parking lots. Its been known to work. The loiters don't like it and move on, but the paying customers actually like it. Loiters don't spend money at the mall so there is no problem with making them move on so those who want to shop feel free to do so.

[gabaghoul]

Originally Posted by richb

They should play classical music via loudspeakers in the parking lots. Its been known to work. The loiters don't like it and move on, but the paying customers actually like it. Loiters don't spend money at the mall so there is no problem with making them move on so those who want to shop feel free to do so.

or just enforce the laws and start fining "legal guardians", not sure if those kids have parents

http://library.municode.com/HTML/120...S381-2PEMIBELO

[Toxic Toast]

Originally Posted by gabaghoul

Man shot, killed in Lafayette Square Mall parking lot

Don't worry,things are only getting better ...anyway, I'll guess I'll be "going to the mattresses" and shopping online for a while until the heat cools down

I've got a $20 bill that says you were not planning to visit Lafayette Square Mall any time soon anyway.

[bertrandandjules]

Originally Posted by richb

They should play classical music via loudspeakers in the parking lots. Its been known to work. The loiters don't like it and move on, but the paying customers actually like it. Loiters don't spend money at the mall so there is no problem with making them move on so those who want to shop feel free to do so.

Wonderful, wonderful idea! So great. I've seen it done at gas stations to keep away loiterers. It works.

Doesn't cost much of anything (classical music is old enough that its public domain, so never any fear of royalties), and teenagers genuinely don't want to be caught dead hanging around Tchaikovsky and Brahms and Berlioz.

Just look at Von Maur. It has an upscale, prissy environment, and while it's a bit fancier than Sears or Penney's, it really isn't on par with Nordstrom. But they give off a vibe that gangbangers wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole.