Destiny USA will ban minors caught fighting, require parental escort
Syracuse, N.Y. — Destiny USA and Syracuse Police are launching a new juvenile trespass enforcement campaign that will charge and arrest minors who have violated mall policies, trespassed, and continue to illegally enter mall property.
Juveniles who are involved in disruptive behavior will be banned from Destiny USA for one year and will face criminal trespassing charges if they re-enter.
Now, anyone aged 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian who is aged 21 or older. The mall recruited the police department and UnBEYlievable Enterprises to enforce the policy.
"Be prepared to present any proof of identification and age when you are on the property, such as a driver's license, state ID card, military ID or visa," said Nikita Jankowski, the mall's marketing director. "Those are all suitable forms of identification that you can show on property."
These rules follow a series of fights and violence at Destiny with minors.
In January, a 14-year-old was stabbed outside the mall near the bus stop entrance between Macy's and the old JC Penney.
He was transported to Upstate Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
But weeks prior, a BB gun was found in the food court after several fights broke out and a juvenile male was taken into custody and later released to his parent.
The mall and law enforcement officials hope this plan will increase accountability and enhance parent involvement as they work to create a safer environment at Destiny USA.
"We're not looking to arrest a bunch of kids," said Syracuse Police Chief Kenton Buckner. "That is the thing that we least want to do, but can't allow the largest retailer in our city to be out of control so our hand has been forced."
The new policy takes effect on February 5, 2021.
