76 PCT Will Up Patrols In Response to Teen Sex at IKEA Park

The will be increasing the number of patrols it makes around the IKEA waterfront area in an effort to discourage teenagers from having sex on the outdoor furniture, cops told Patch on Wednesday.

"We haven’t had any complaints directly at the precinct," said cops. "But [following an article by DNAinfo.com], we did contact the IKEA security department and will be looking to step up our patrols and advised them to pay more attention as well."

According to the DNA article, the park is appealing to young residents for its combination of long chaise lounges, seclusion facing the waterfront, and marine-themed lights after dark when most of the teens go.

"It's peaceful, away from all the noise and commotion," Travon, 17, told DNA, adding that his friends have gone there "a couple times."

But neighbors fail to share in the perceived romance.

"It's condom central. The lawn chairs are a bordello," a neighborhood source told DNAinfo.com New York.  "I have a 5-year-old who plays hide-and-go-seek over there. Around the chaise lounges, there's condoms everywhere. You always have to be careful that they don't find any squishy balloons."

Furthermore, there is the issue of safety, both regarding health risks the teens may be exposing themselves to as well as dangerous interlopers.

"So in the interest of public safety, we will spot check the area," said cops, "and address any issues that IKEA security or we find."

Anyone who has complaints or tips regarding the matter is urged to contact the 76th Precinct Community Affairs office at 718 834 3207.