[redwitch]

Quite frankly, while I do carry at all times, there is no way I would confront a group of teens. 1. It is too easy overwhelm one individual with or without a weapon when there is a group. 2. It can make a non-volatile situation become downright dangerous for all involved.

I do like the idea of calling Community Watch if I saw kids hiding in bushes or hanging around the parking lot -- they don't belong there. However, I would not call in front of them. I'd wait til I got around the corner. No reason to inflame them. Just not worth the risk. Also, if you're going to call, be sure the kids are doing something wrong. Hanging around the squares is acceptable. Even turning certain areas into a lovers' lane of sorts is more or less okay (we may not like it, but the chances of it causing harm are pretty slim). Hiding, posing and cursing, hanging around in inappropriate areas should be reported. I know I reported some kids hanging around the 441 bridge. Community Watch did talk to the kids and sent them on their way.

Sneaking into movie theaters is, of course, illegal. However, it is a time-honored tradition. I was a pretty honorable kid and pretty much followed most rules but, if given a chance, I would happily sneak in the back door of the theater or hide in the trunk to get into the drive-in.

So, hopefully, we won't call every time we see a teen, but won't hesitate to call if we see a teen behaving inappropriately.