A Target store in Brooklyn has implemented a new policy barring anyone under 18 from shopping without adult supervision, a measure aimed at curbing disruptive behavior. The store, located in the Triangle Junction mall at Flatbush Avenue and Avenue H, has stationed security guards at the entrance to enforce the rule, checking the IDs of young shoppers and escorting out those who attempt to enter without an adult.
A sign inside the store makes the policy clear: “All guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult at this Target store.”
According to a store security guard, the restriction was put in place to address escalating fights and unruly conduct among groups of teenagers who regularly loiter inside the store and around the mall.
“It’s just regular. They play around. They come in groups, you know, and a lot of kids — and they’re not really friends,” said a 25-year-old guard posted at the entrance.
Unlike the widespread shoplifting problem that has plagued major retailers—including Target—the issue at this location is less about theft and more about disturbances. According to security staff, large groups of teens have been using the store as a gathering spot after school, leading to altercations and disruptions.
Just last week, the guard said, a fight broke out on the second floor and escalated into the basement lobby.
“They started cursing at each other. We sent them back down the stairs. One of them threw a punch,” he recounted. “I’m assuming it’s the reason why this [age policy] happened in the first place. Because it makes guests uncomfortable.”
Some customers support the policy, seeing it as a necessary step to maintain order.
“I kind of think it’s a good idea because you can’t predict what these kids are going to do, especially after school,” said 20-year-old shopper Kaela Ramsey, who was at Target with her three teenage nieces.
“I see a lot of kids come in here and do a lot of nonsense. I’ve seen so many people get jumped. I’ve seen kids get milked — they throw milk on the kids, fighting with milk,” she added.
Not everyone agrees. Kayla, Ramsey’s 15-year-old niece, called the rule “stupid.”
“Not every kid comes in here and destroys Target,” she said, explaining that she and a friend were recently kicked out when trying to buy medication for her mother.
The new Target policy follows similar moves by other businesses in the area. Last month, a McDonald’s down the street began barring customers under 20 unless accompanied by a parent. That location even hired a bouncer after enduring more than a year of vandalism and harassment by large groups of teens. The situation reached a breaking point when one group, wearing ski masks, stormed in and smashed a glass door.
NYPD data shows that retail crime in the area has been declining, but specific locations remain trouble spots. The McDonald’s, for example, generated over 100 police calls annually for the past three years, with 29 calls already logged in 2024.
The Target security guard acknowledged that while the policy is unfortunate for well-behaved kids, store managers had little choice.
“I get it, I understand it,” he said. “But the kids who actually took $10 from their mom in the morning time to look forward to get something to eat after school, after a long day… I feel bad for those kids.”
Target has not yet commented on the new policy.
