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By JOE HUTCHISON FOR DAILYMAIL.COM
Published: | Updated:
A Florida mall is considering a chaperone policy for those under the age of 18 after a spate of break-ins have costed shops $30,000 in damages.
The Oviedo Mall, in Oviedo, is considering the drastic measure after they said a tenant is facing tens of thousands of dollars in losses after two vehicle break-ins.
According to a post to their social media, the break-ins happened on Sunday and Tuesday night.
Details about the break-ins have yet to be released by local authorities or the mall, and it remains unclear what tenant was targeted.
Marketing manager Josh Gunderson told WESH2 that it was teens involved doing what he said was ‘crazy, weird stuff’, that involved ‘unleashing fire extinguishers’.
Due to the incidents, they warned they are now close to bringing in the policy for those under the age of 18.
The Oviedo Mall, in Oviedo, is considering the drastic measure after they said a tenant is facing tens of thousands of dollars in losses after two vehicle break-ins
A post to their Facebook said: ‘What was once a ‘maybe’ around implementing a chaperone policy for those under 18 has quickly become a ‘we have to’.
‘Before that happens, I’m making one final appeal to our community — especially to parents and the younger generation.’
It is unclear how the policy would stop vehicle break-ins outside of the mall. It is also not known who wrote the post or what position they hold at the mall.
Gunderson also told ClickOrlando: ‘Sit and watch another human being go through a deeply emotional experience of assessing $30,000 in damages.
‘That’s not a small number, especially in this day and age. That’s big, so it really hurts the heart.’
Since sharing the post they have been inundated with locals expressing their dismay about the possible shift in policy.
Oviedo Police Department chief Dale Coleman is seen in the above picture
Since sharing the post they have been inundated with locals expressing their dismay about the possible shift in policy
One person said: ‘One of the most frustrating parts is that almost EVERY tenant in here is considered a small business.
‘Thirty thousand dollars in damages. It’s not a “kids will be kids” situation at this point. Teach your kids not to be s******, they’re ruining it for literally everyone around them.’
Another said: ‘This is so sad that they even have to post this. Why can’t parents actually parent their kids these days and teach them to respect these places?’
A spokesperson for Oviedo Police Department said: ‘The cases are currently under investigation and there is nothing at this time to release.’
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