Pictured above: An illegal gathering in an East Napier Avenue business parking lot this past weekend. The business owner stated the parking lot is normally empty at this time.
As WSJM reported earlier this week, area business owners are concerned about the rising number of so-called illegal block parties happening in and around Benton Harbor. They’re reportedly causing thousands of dollars in damage to private property and it’s become a public safety issue.
Now, law enforcement confirms they’re taking additional steps to quash the gatherings.
Speaking on the WSJM Morning Show, Benton Township Police Chief Greg Abrams said they bust up the parties when they find them. He said they talked to the owner of an all-night food establishment on East Napier Avenue where last weekend’s party took place.
“I told them about a lot of things that were wrong. I needed to let them know that there are times when the police need to be called when you see a large gathering. If you see more people outside in your parking lot than you see customers inside ordering food, give us a call because that situation is going to grow into something that you can’t control.”
Last May, a similar gathering outside a gas station in Benton Harbor resulted in the death of one individual and two others wounded by gunfire. Abrams said the community plays a key role in driving the parties out.
“Shut the business down when you see that you have too many people who won’t leave. Call the police so we can clear out the crowds early. Put up signage in front of your business that states no loitering, you know, vehicles parked illegally will be towed. All these things will stop a lot of the riffraff that comes to that location.”
Abrams said they also monitor social media and disrupt illegal gatherings that way.
