NYC Home Depot feploys guard dog to combat aggressive migrants, thieves in parking lots
In response to rising concerns over aggressive behavior and theft in their parking lots, a Home Depot location in New Rochelle, New York, has introduced a guard dog patrol, marking a new strategy to ensure customer safety. The move comes amid reports of similar challenges at other stores across the city.
The scene at the Home Depot in New Rochelle this week revealed a unique security measure: two individuals outfitted in MSA Security gear, including bulletproof vests, accompanied by a vigilant German Shepherd, patrolling the premises. Despite the apparent calm at this location, just a short distance away in Throggs Neck, The Bronx, a different narrative unfolded.
Witnesses reported that up to 30 male migrants were observed congregating near the entrance of the Home Depot in Throggs Neck, with intentions ranging from seeking day labor opportunities to engaging in aggressive solicitation tactics. Some of these individuals reportedly approached shoppers, offering counterfeit Apple Airpods or pressuring for tips in exchange for assistance with loading purchases into vehicles.
A Home Depot employee shared their discomfort, noting instances where individuals persistently followed customers, particularly women, to their vehicles, creating an unsettling atmosphere. One alarming incident involved a male individual allegedly performing inappropriate actions in plain view of shoppers.
Furthermore, reports indicate that some customers have fallen victim to thefts, with purses and phones among the items targeted. The sheer number of individuals gathering around the store has also been described as overwhelming by employees, highlighting the magnitude of the issue.
The deployment of a guard dog marks a proactive approach by the New Rochelle Home Depot to address these security concerns. However, the broader context suggests that similar challenges persist across other locations in New York City, raising questions about the broader impact and potential need for additional security measures.