Rash Of Danvers Youth Incidents Cause 'Frustration, Concern And Hurt'

DANVERS, MA — Danvers leaders are pledging added law enforcement and made a plea for community action after what they called a series of "disruptive and disorderly," "racist" and "antisemitic" incidents that they said have caused "understandable frustration, concern and hurt within our community."

Town Manager Jill Cahill, Police Chief James Lovell and Superintendent Dan Bauer issued a joint statement after an increase in reports of youth on bicycles and e-bikes harassing residents and businesses, as well as leaving hate-based vandalism and graffiti.

"These actions do not reflect the values of respect, responsibility, inclusion, and civic pride that define our town," the statement said. "While many of these concerns involve a relatively small number of individuals, their impact on residents, businesses, and the broader community is significant and cannot be ignored."

Danvers is one of several North Shore communities dealing with students wreaking havoc and spreading hateful messages in recent weeks.

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Officials said that, while the incidents should not be an indictment of all of the town's young people, action is clearly needed in the form of a coordinated response from law enforcement, the schools and parents.

"The Danvers Police Department is increasing enforcement related to traffic violations, unsafe bicycle and e-bike operation, vandalism, trespassing, and other unlawful behavior," the statement said.

Racist and antisemitic acts, officials said, will be investigated and addressed through "appropriate legal, educational and community-based responses."

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"We encourage parents to know where their children are," the statement said, "whom they are spending time with, and what activities they are participating in, especially during weekends and evenings. ...

"Young people should understand that their actions have real consequences for themselves, others and the community around them."