Police set out to try and tackle unruly youth in the village

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Police said they are cracking down on disruptive and destructive behavior by youths in Rockville Centre, following an increase in complaints from local residents and business owners.

In a letter shared to the community online, Rockville Centre Police Commissioner Randy Dodd told residents and merchants that he’s aware of a significant increase in the troubling behavior by the village’s youths — and warned that the incidents would not be tolerated.

“Kids will be kids, and I understand that, but this is different,” Dodd said in the letter. “This behavior is disrupting the daily life of our residents, guests and business owners, and it also poses serious safety risks for the youths and others in the community. This must stop immediately.”

Dodd detailed the incidents, including damaging public and private property, causing disturbances at local businesses, stopping traffic and biking dangerously in the streets. In response, he said the department is implementing stricter measures to ensure the safety of the community and to hold individuals accountable for their actions.

“Any youth found engaging in disruptive or destructive behavior will be taken to the police station, and parents will be notified to come and pick up their child,” the police commissioner said. “Repeated offenses may lead to further consequences.

“RVCPD is committed to keeping Rockville Centre a safe and respectful place for everyone, and we need your support,” he added. “Please speak with your children about the importance of respecting others, following the rules, and understanding the consequences of their actions.”

The letter was sent following a recent incident at one of the local businesses on North Long Beach Road.

Ronni Truitt, the owner of SST Embroidery told News 12 last week that kids have come into her store, throwing things and cursing at her employees. “It’s been a bit intense,” she said. Truitt could not be reached for further comment as of press time on Tuesday. 

Rockville Centre Mayor Francis X. Murray supported the commissioner’s commitment to cleaning up the stretch of North Long Beach Road, where the incidents have been occurring and maintaining the safety of the community.

“Our village has long been considered one of the safest communities in the country,” Murray said in a statement. “We pride ourselves in being proactive and deterring bad behavior before it happens to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors.”

Neighboring business owners, some of whom have witnessed this behavior for years, also voiced their concerns regarding youth in the area. Joe Cosar, an employee at Gino’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant on North Long Beach Road, said he was worried about the dangers of reckless biking exhibited by the youths.

“The bike thing is out of control,” Cosar said. “It’s a busy street. If someone falls, you don’t know what’s going to happen. There are so many bikes everywhere. Kids have been coming here for years. It used to be different.”

Much of the concern within the business district known as “little town” in Rockville Centre stems from the danger and concern of kids riding their bikes without protective gear and doing elaborate tricks like wheelies on a busy roadway. 

Rick Daukenbrink, the owner of Gino’s, noted that bike-related disturbances have been a long-standing issue.

“A lot of kids on bikes drop their bicycles and leave them there,” Daukenbrink said, adding that the bikes often block entrances and make it difficult for parents with strollers to navigate. “I’m surprised the police are talking about it now. They’ve been doing it for years — every Friday for the past 10 years.”

Kevin B., the owner of Rockville Bagels on North Long Beach Road, said he has seen it become an issue from time to time when things have gotten out of hand.

“It wasn’t just one specific incident,” he said. “I don’t know exactly where they are coming from. Kids are kids. Some of them may say something disrespectful. All I can do is say, ‘Stop or I’m kicking you out.’”

He added that the youths act disrespectful to the
storeowners and their places of business, leaving trash, as well as their bikes, outside on the curb in front of the doorways.

“Maybe 20 of them will throw their bikes out front,” he said. “I think it’s dangerous. People got to walk on the sidewalks, right?”

Other businesses said that while they have noticed the uptick in the number of kids riding bicycles in the area, they are generally well-behaved. Dimitri K. of T&V Automotive Concepts, located just across the street from the aforementioned storefronts, said that he understands the concern but that he doesn’t have an issue with kids doing wheelies and having fun.

Matt Gaven, superintendent of the Rockville Centre School District, responded that the schools are working hand-in-hand with police in full support of their crackdown.

“I think the commissioner has really worked to put that (letter) out,” Gaven said. “We’ve been in contact with the village, and we’re working with them on it as partners.”

As stricter enforcement takes effect, residents and business owners expressed hope that these measures will curb the disruptive behavior and restore order in Rockville Centre.