A Brooklyn Target’s Drastic Measure: Banning Minors Without Adult Supervision

In a bold move to address rising delinquent behavior, a Target store located in the Triangle Junction mall at the corner of Flatbush Avenue and Avenue H in Brooklyn has introduced a new policy: banning minors under the age of 18 from shopping without adult supervision. This decision comes as part of a broader effort by local businesses to curb unruly behavior among teenagers, which has become a significant issue in the area. The store has stationed security guards at its entrance, who now check IDs and enforce the age restriction. A sign inside the store clearly states, "All guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult at this Target store." Those who violate the rule are escorted out, even if they manage to sneak in.

Security Measures and the Reasoning Behind Them

The new policy was implemented in response to frequent fights and rowdy behavior from groups of teenagers who loiter in the store and around the mall. According to a 25-year-old security guard at the Target, the problem is not primarily about shoplifting, which has been a widespread issue for retailers in recent years, but rather about general misconduct and disruption. "It’s just regular. They play around. They come in groups, you know, and a lot of kids — and they’re not really friends," the guard explained. He also shared an incident where he had to intervene in a fight that started on the store’s second floor and escalated into the basement lobby, with teenagers cursing and even throwing punches. Such incidents have made the store’s management take drastic measures to ensure a safer environment for all customers.

Mixed Reactions from Customers

The new policy has received mixed reactions from customers. Some, like 20-year-old Kaela Ramsey, who was shopping with her three teenage nieces, fully support the rule. Ramsey believes it’s a good idea, as it helps prevent unpredictable behavior from groups of unsupervised teens. She has personally witnessed several incidents of violence and disruption at the store, including fights and milk-throwing incidents. "I kind of think it’s a good idea because you can’t predict what these kids are going to do, especially after school," Ramsey said. Others, however, are less enthusiastic. Kayla, Ramsey’s 15-year-old niece, called the policy "stupid" and unfair. She argued that not all kids cause trouble and shared her own experience of being thrown out of the store while trying to buy medication for her mother.

The Bigger Picture: A Trend Among Local Businesses

The Brooklyn Target is not the only business in the area taking drastic measures to address delinquent behavior. A nearby McDonald’s on Flatbush Avenue implemented a similar policy last month, barring anyone under 20 from entering without a parent. The fast-food restaurant hired a bouncer to enforce the rule after more than a year of harassment from large groups of teens who would arrive after school, trash the place, and even steal food from customers. The final straw came when a group of teens wearing ski masks broke a glass door. According to NYPD data, retail crime in the neighborhood has been declining in recent years, but certain hotspots like this McDonald’s continue to struggle with rowdy behavior.

The Impact on Well-Behaved Kids

While the new policies aim to reduce disruption and improve safety, they also raise concerns about penalizing well-behaved teenagers. The security guard at Target acknowledged that it’s unfortunate that responsible kids now have to miss out on privileges they once enjoyed. "I know when I was in high school, I was interested in getting some fast food after school," he said. "I get it, I understand it. But the kids who actually took $10 from their mom in the morning time to look forward to getting something to eat after school, after a long day. So I feel bad for those kids." This sentiment reflects the difficult balance businesses must strike between maintaining order and ensuring that all customers, including young people, feel welcome.

A Call for Solutions Beyond Restrictions

The situation at the Brooklyn Target and other local businesses highlights the need for broader solutions to address the root causes of delinquent behavior among teenagers. While age restrictions and increased security may provide temporary relief, they do not solve the underlying issues, such as a lack of after-school activities or mentorship programs for young people. "They’re not going to no activities. They aren’t going to no programs or nothing," Ramsey said, emphasizing the need for more community resources to keep teens engaged and out of trouble. Without addressing these deeper issues, businesses may continue to rely on restrictive measures that, while well-intentioned, ultimately disadvantage responsible young people. As the Brooklyn community navigates this challenge, it remains to be seen whether other solutions will emerge to create a safer and more inclusive environment for everyone.