Police are appealing to parents and guardians to "know where your children are" after 500 rampaging teens ransacked a shopping center in Aurora. Authorities pledged to hold the youths accountable and are combing through social media and security video footage in scenes somewhat reminiscent of the Jan 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. "When hundreds of young people suddenly gather and behavior begins to escalate, the consequences can become serious very quickly," Police Chief Todd Chamberlain said. "A crowd can create a false sense of anonymity." The invasion occurred Sunday afternoon when the mob of teens - mainly from ages 14 to 17 - occupied the shopping center, apparently organized "through social media around an unpermitted sporting event," outraged officials said. More than 70 police officers raced to the shopping center, draining the number of patrol personnel to respond to other calls in the city. The Hoffman Heights shopping center is located North Peoria Streer and East Sixth Avenue.
"This crossed the line from a gathering of young people into a police matter because of the behavior and criminal conduct of some of those involved,” Chamberlain said. "We will not tolerate groups taking over roadways, disrupting businesses, damaging property or stealing under the belief that being part of a large crowd provides anonymity. It does not.”
“We also need parents and guardians to understand the role they play,” Chamberlain said. “Know where your children are, who they are with and what they are being invited to through social media. When hundreds of young people suddenly gather and behavior begins to escalate, the consequences can become serious very quickly.
"Police officers should not have to be pulled away from other community emergencies to manage behavior that could have been prevented," the chief said.
[Photo: Social media]
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