The Target in Stone Oak near U.S. Highway 281 and TPC Parkway awaits customers at sunset. Credit: Michael Karlis

The San Antonio Police Department said it’s responding to growing concerns from residents after allegations of ill-behaved teenagers wreaking havoc at a Stone Oak Target grabbed headlines and sparked an uproar on Reddit.

Last week, the Current reported that District 9 Councilwoman Misty Spears’ office was looking into complaints about youths hanging out at the Target store near U.S. Highway 281 and TPC Parkway. The office had received complaints about teens committing petty theft in the store’s parking lot, throwing things at customers, eating food they hadn’t paid for and yelling obscenities down the aisles.

“I don’t know how to equate being bored and not being entertained to crime,” Spears told the Current. “Irrespective of that, if you’re committing a crime, then you need to be held accountable for it.”

In a statement posted on its Facebook page, SAPD officials said they’re aware of the community complaints.

“Since last fall, SAFFE officers have been in regular contact with store management and store security to document incidents and collaborate on solutions,” SAPD wrote. “Officers have conducted several patrols, issued criminal trespass warnings, and, in some cases, contacted the parents of the juveniles involved. Additionally, outreach emails have been sent to nearby homeowners’ associations to increase community awareness and encourage parental involvement.”

SAPD officials also said they proposed that businesses in the area increase security. Further, they offered to commit officers for a dedicated presence in the area and suggested that stores implement chaperone or curfew policies for unaccompanied teens.

“SAPD remains committed to working with community partners to improve safety and address ongoing concerns,” the department said in its statement.

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Michael Karlis is a multimedia journalist at the San Antonio Current, whose coverage in print and on social media focuses on local and state politics. He is a graduate of American University in Washington,...