Advertised 'Teen Takeover' At Buckland Hills Mall Turns Into A Dud: Manchester Police

MANCHESTER, CT — A supposed teen takeover of the Shoppes at Buckland Hills Mall over the weekend turned out to be a dud, police said.

Heading into the weekend, postings on social media began publicizing a Saturday Teen Night Takeover" at the Mall. Area teens were encouraged to "bring the drama" with "free entry," as if the mall had a cover charge anyway.

The idea is to start a massive melee to disrupt the day-to-day goings on at shopping malls. Police shared the invite followed by a message of their own:

Said police in their post, "We have been made aware of a social media post circulating about a “Teen Night Takeover” planned for Saturday evening at The Shoppes at Buckland Hills.

"Please be advised that this event is not approved by mall management.

"The Manchester Police Department will deploy additional personnel and resources in and around the mall to deter large gatherings and prevent criminal or disruptive activity. We encourage parents and guardians to speak with their children and not allow them to attend if they were planning to do so. We also ask ride-share drivers to avoid transporting unaccompanied minors to the mall. We have seen that large, unsanctioned gatherings or takeovers, as this one is advertised, can be unpredictable and pose public safety concerns for everyone. Thank you for your cooperation as we work to keep our community safe."

Similar incidents had taken place at the Buckland mall in the past, but this time, it turned out that, well, no Facebook tough guys turned out.

"There were no issues," police said. "We had additional resources, but just the normal patrons were at the mall. There were no issues with groups or teens, etc."

Comments on the Manchester Police Facebook page ranged from adults poking fun at the "no entry fee" concept to one saying it's far from America Graffiti.

"I remember the days of cruising the backside of the Parkade," the resident said. "Those were the days. We just wanted to hang out with friends and didn't cause trouble. It's too bad the youth of today can be so unruly."