CANONSBURG, Pa. — Business owners along Pike Street in Canonsburg say they are frustrated by what they describe as a growing problem involving a group of young teens.
Several business owners say they have experienced vandalism or other disruptive behavior firsthand.
The owner of Midtown Market recently posted on Facebook, calling the post “Midtown Most Wanted” and asking people to contact Canonsburg police if they recognize the teens accused of damaging the business’ restrooms.
Andrew Andronas owns Midtown Market, a restaurant, bar, arcade, duckpin bowling alley and ice cream shop all under one roof. The business is approaching its first anniversary in Canonsburg.
Andronas says he is proud to see his idea become a family-friendly destination, but said the behavior has been frustrating.
“Walk into the bathroom, paper towels and toilet paper just everywhere, sinks coming off the wall,” Andronas said.
He said the damage and mess have become an ongoing issue.
“Nothing violent, catastrophic. My wife and I are ultimately responsible for coming every morning and cleaning, seeing trash and things broken in the bathroom and a lack of respect. We’re all over it every day, but some days are harder than others,” he said.
Andronas isn’t the only business owner dealing with the problem.
Jenelle Pasch, owner of ReLoved Resale Consignment Shop on Pike Street, said she is also familiar with the same group of teens.
“You just wonder where the parents are,” Pasch said.
Pasch said she recently had to clean up a mess outside her business.
“There was blue silly string all over the front of my walkway, all over my door, my windows,” she said.
Canonsburg’s police chief told Channel 11 that police have seen an increase in criminal mischief and vandalism involving teenagers.
Just four days ago, police said teens riding e-bikes were throwing projectiles at passing cars, including eggs, bottles and cans.
The police chief told Channel 11, in part, “Willfully damaging anybody’s property is unacceptable, and we will prosecute each and every one.”
The chief said police are working to identify the juveniles involved in each of these incidents.
Andronas said what frustrates him most is that he has tried to help and extend kindness to some of the same kids.
“They all suffer from amnesia, I think. I get through, I go home and tell my wife, ‘I think I made an impact on a young man’s life tonight,’ and then three days later, we’re having the same conversation,” Andronas said. “I was once young. I grew up in this hometown, I understand. But it’s the lack of respect we’ll be looking to change,” he said.
Police are asking anyone who may have information about the juveniles involved to contact Canonsburg police.
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