Police investigations deepen the crisis at Six Flags Park, the future of the park is in danger

Car break-ins are becoming more and more common these days and it seems like they mostly happen in amusement parks.

Theme parks are meant to be havens of joy and excitement, full of thrilling rides, captivating shows and opportunities to create lasting memories. Unfortunately, that sense of carefree fun can be shattered by the harsh reality of theft. In recent years, there has been a worrying rise in thefts at theme parks in the United States, marring the experience for unsuspecting visitors.

The idyllic atmosphere of theme parks can give visitors a false sense of security and make them easy prey for opportunistic thieves. In February 2024, a guest at Walt Disney World reported a stolen backpack containing his wallet, camera, and park tickets while on a ride. This incident shows how vulnerable personal belongings are even in the seemingly safe confines of a theme park.

Similarly, in May 2024, a group of teenagers at Six Flags Magic Mountain theme park were pickpocketed while waiting in line for a popular roller coaster. This is an example of the opportunistic nature of some thieves who prey on unwary crowds.

The risk also applies to families. In March 2024, a visitor to Universal Studios Hollywood reported the theft of a stroller containing a toddler’s tablet and other valuables. This incident highlights the particular vulnerability of families with young children who may be less aware of their surroundings.

These are just a few recent examples. In fact, theft can occur at any theme park, regardless of its reputation. From theft of cell phones and wallets to unattended bags and strollers, criminals take advantage of the relaxed atmosphere and large crowds to commit their crimes.

Another cause for concern is the significant increase in the number of car break-ins in theme park parking lots. The vast spaces and large number of vehicles parked in theme park parking lots make them an attractive target for opportunistic thieves. In June 2024, a news report from Orlando, Florida, reported an increase in car break-ins in Walt Disney World parking lots, with broken windows and stolen valuables commonplace. Similar reports have been made from other major theme parks across the country, such as Dollywood (Dolly Parton’s theme park), where 11 cars were broken into.

Now a new theft report has been published.

Eureka Police are currently investigating a theft incident reported on June 9, 2024 at the Six Flags amusement park located at 4900 Six Flags Road, Six Flags St. Louis. Captain Michael Werges confirmed that a 54-year-old woman from Florissant, Missouri, contacted authorities at approximately 7:15 p.m. while returning to her parked vehicle.

The victim, who had arrived at the park around 2:45 p.m. that same day, found a window broken upon returning to his 2022 Infiniti QX50. Unfortunately, two bags – a shoulder bag and a Nike bag – were missing from the vehicle.

According to the official police report, the stolen shoulder bag, valued at about $150, contained $150 in cash. The Nike bag, valued at about $50, also contained a significantly larger amount of cash, totaling $500.

The report also provides details on the estimated cost of repairing the damaged vehicle window, which is approximately $200.

Although no arrests have been made yet, Eureka Police are actively investigating the incident. It is important to note that this is just one example of theft that can occur in seemingly safe locations. Park visitors are encouraged to watch their belongings and report any suspicious activity to park security or police.

This theft occurred shortly before Six Flags merged with Cedar Fair. The merger will create a powerful company in the theme park sector. Together, Six Flags and Cedar Fair will operate 27 theme parks and 15 water parks in the United States, Canada and Mexico, attracting approximately 48 million visitors annually.

Thefts at Six Flags amusement park have been on the rise for years and affect not only other guests, but also the amusement park itself. Even the smallest shoplifting incidents now result in heavy fines.

After her son was caught stealing at Six Flags amusement park, a mother wrote online:

“My 15-year-old son was caught stealing a $3.50 bag of candy from Six Flags New England in August. His season pass was revoked and he was banned from all Six Flags attractions for a year. I felt that all of these disciplinary measures were appropriate and justified. I also lectured him and punished him at home.

A few weeks later, I received a letter from the law firm of Palmer, Reifler and Associates stating that under the state’s liability law, I owed $252.59 in damages for the incident. I called them and told them I couldn’t pay.

They then sent me a letter saying that I now owed them $500 and had to pay the money within 10 days.

I called the law firm again and told them I was not going to pay the fine. They asked me if I was willing to go to court. I replied that if that was my only alternative, I had to go that route.

Frustrated with the law firm, I then contacted Six Flags’ Loss Prevention Office to present my case. I spoke with Ricardo Rivera and although he was very polite and sympathetic, he said they would refer all incidents to this law firm and then the matter would be out of Six Flags’ control. I recently received a third letter and numerous more phone calls demanding the $500 settlement payment.

None of these letters say that Six Flags is actually imposing the fine. All of them say that if I don’t pay, Six Flags may consider pursuing its legal right to damages.”

Six Flags spokeswoman Melissa Pinkerton declined to elaborate on the company’s position on the matter: “As a matter of policy, we do not publicly disclose our policies toward guests who engage in illegal or inappropriate behavior in our parks,” Pinkerton said in an email.

However, a 2008 Wall Street Journal article revealed that the law firm, which represents many retailers, rarely filed lawsuits, at least at that time.

While the rise in thefts at theme parks is cause for concern, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk.

Security at theme parks plays a crucial role, but visitor vigilance is also essential. Bringing only essentials and leaving unnecessary valuables at home can deter thieves. Keeping wallets, phones, and other valuables safely in a zipped pocket or a belt bag worn across your body makes them less accessible to thieves. Many theme parks offer lockers for rent so you can keep your valuables safe while you enjoy rides and shows. Keeping an eye on your surroundings, especially in crowded areas, and reporting suspicious activity to security staff can help prevent thefts before they happen.

Theme parks are responsible for the safety of their guests. This includes implementing theft prevention measures, such as increased security patrols in high-risk areas and installing additional lighting in parking lots. In addition, working with local law enforcement is critical to apprehending criminals and preventing future incidents.

Theft at theme parks is a serious problem that can negatively impact the guest experience. By taking precautions and working together, theme parks, law enforcement and visitors can help create a safer environment for everyone. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that a day of laughter and excitement is not overshadowed by the fear of theft.

Have you ever had something stolen at an amusement park?