Councilman calls for earlier curfew to combat flash mobs

A Philadelphia City Councilman is calling for an earlier curfew to cut down on potential flash mob activity.
Councilman Frank DiCicco says the recent spate of teen mob attacks in Center City is creating fear among residents and says something needs to be done quickly. His proposal is for an executive order from the mayor to implement a 9:30 p.m. curfew seven days a week for everyone under 18 and strict enforcement of the policy.

A Philadelphia City Councilman is calling for an earlier curfew to cut down on potential flash mob activity.  WHYY’s Tom MacDonald reports. [audio:100323TMCURFEW.mp3]

Councilman Frank DiCicco says the recent spate of teen mob attacks in Center City is creating fear among residents and says something needs to be done quickly.  His proposal is for an executive order from the mayor to implement a 9:30 p.m. curfew seven days a week for everyone under 18 and strict enforcement of the policy.

DiCicco: People are frightened and they have every reason to be afraid so we need to find a way to stop these crowds from congregating because this is devastating to our retail industry. we are going to lose our center city shopping shopping and retail establishments unless we do something if this happens another once or twice we’re in major trouble, we’ll have major problems in this city.

Mayor Michael Nutter says he has spoken to DiCicco and says the city is working to come up with a plan to deal with the flash mob activity

The city’s current curfew requires anyone under the age 18 to be off the streets at 10:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday nights, and midnight on Friday and Saturday nights.