Merrick businesses owners: Teens are wreaking havoc despite stepped up patrols

Business owners and residents say the group continues to loiter, litter and destroy property.

News 12 Staff

May 7, 2023, 9:31 PM

Updated 375 days ago

Share:

Merrick strip mall businesses say a large group of teens are wreaking havoc in the area even after police said they stepped up patrols.
Days after News 12 Long Island's exclusive report about the teens' alleged loitering, littering and property damage in and near the strip mall, business owners and residents say the teens are back.
One store owner who did not want to be identified says surveillance video taken Saturday afternoon shows the group of teens loitering outside the stores. He says they were also caught on camera banged on store windows in recent weeks.
The manager of the CVS says the teens were in the store a couple of days ago and punched a big hole in the store ceiling by throwing an object at it.
"That's bad. That's destroying property, private property. Doesn't give you the right just because you're a shopper or anything," said North Bellmore resident Brendan Coyne.
"They've stolen from here a couple of times," says Luke Gallo, of Island Empanada. He says he has had to kick the troublesome teens out of the restaurant several times because they were stealing and scaring away customers.
"There's probably 75 different faces I've seen at least…and some of them are drinking alcohol too. One of them walked in here, had it in their sleeve...you could smell it on their breath. They had alcohol and they're in eighth grade. It's crazy," Gallo added.
Most of the business owners did not want to comment on camera about the problem because they say they are concerned if word gets out about the disturbances, they will lose business. But they are calling on police to ramp of patrols in the area.
Detective Lt. Richard LeBrun told News 12 Long Island, "We continue to intensify our patrols in all areas of concern."


More from News 12
2:07
Nassau County doctor convicted of illegally prescribing around 93,000 mg of oxycodone to 1 patient

Nassau County doctor convicted of illegally prescribing around 93,000 mg of oxycodone to 1 patient

1:37
Partly sunny Friday; warmer temps to kick off next week

Partly sunny Friday; warmer temps to kick off next week

1:44
Massapequa couple latest to be charged in connection with Jan. 6 Capitol riot

Massapequa couple latest to be charged in connection with Jan. 6 Capitol riot

0:30
 Police: Deer Park teen charged after making threats, bringing BB gun to Frost Middle School

Police: Deer Park teen charged after making threats, bringing BB gun to Frost Middle School

New York Rangers beat Carolina Hurricanes 5-3 to advance to Eastern Conference Final

New York Rangers beat Carolina Hurricanes 5-3 to advance to Eastern Conference Final

2:11
Commack man takes stand in civil trial claiming he was strip-searched by Suffolk police

Commack man takes stand in civil trial claiming he was strip-searched by Suffolk police

1:40
Blood drive held in honor of former Patchogue fire chief exceeds expectations

Blood drive held in honor of former Patchogue fire chief exceeds expectations

1:39
Long Islanders take part in No Mow May to help lawns flourish, aid early season pollinators

Long Islanders take part in No Mow May to help lawns flourish, aid early season pollinators

2:04
Food Pantry on NCC campus sees surge following shutdown of cafeteria

Food Pantry on NCC campus sees surge following shutdown of cafeteria

0:38
Environmental experts come together to address water concerns on Long Island

Environmental experts come together to address water concerns on Long Island

0:39
Suffolk Water Authority urges water conservation ahead of summer months

Suffolk Water Authority urges water conservation ahead of summer months

0:53
Copiague LIRR station now fully ADA accessible

Copiague LIRR station now fully ADA accessible

0:31
Police: 20-year-old Brooklyn driver dead following crash on Meadowbrook Parkway

Police: 20-year-old Brooklyn driver dead following crash on Meadowbrook Parkway

2:20
Suffolk police: 17 people arrested in one week during Operation Smoke Out

Suffolk police: 17 people arrested in one week during Operation Smoke Out

5:35
Road Trip Close to Home hits the 200 episode milestone!

Road Trip Close to Home hits the 200 episode milestone!

0:23
2 men arrested for selling tobacco products to minors in Levittown

2 men arrested for selling tobacco products to minors in Levittown

0:30
Medford man convicted of transporting 3 people who crossed into U.S. illegally

Medford man convicted of transporting 3 people who crossed into U.S. illegally

0:19
4 people wanted for stealing over $5,000 of merchandise from Macy's

4 people wanted for stealing over $5,000 of merchandise from Macy's

0:30
New screening can identify preeclampsia risk sooner in pregnancy

New screening can identify preeclampsia risk sooner in pregnancy

4:12
The East End: Explore the North Fork on 2 wheels via East End Bike Tours

The East End: Explore the North Fork on 2 wheels via East End Bike Tours