A relatively new phenomenon called a ‘street takeover’ has swept the city of Milwaukee, and while the city’s youth may see it as a way to have fun, police and city officials are warning of its dangerous and potentially lethal consequences.

On Labor Day weekend, Milwaukee police reported the incidence of nearly 20 street takeovers, large gatherings where people block off roads and perform dangerous stunts with their cars. The takeovers often are rife with vandalism, theft, and violence.

In addition to the potential dangers posed by street takeovers, Milwaukee residents expressed their frustration with the illegal gatherings causing a public disturbance.

“There was no way you could have slept through it,” said Mary Wilson, who saw the street takeover. 

Others said the street takeovers may be a cause of concern for the elderly community in the city.

“I don’t like it, because I’m very scared and I’m an older person,” said Gail Gaillard, who witnessed a street takeover.

The street takeovers have rapidly increased in frequency in Milwaukee and across the country and have become a significant headache for police officers in the city. (RELATED: Water Street’s Nightlife Tarnished by Crime and Violence)

Milwaukee Police say that they have struggled to keep up with the street takeovers due to staffing issues and stalled contract negotiations with the city that have drug on for years.

As urban crime has continued to be an issue that is front and center for President Donald Trump’s administration, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson rejected the idea of sending National Guardsmen to the city, a solution that the President used in Washington D.C and is considering in other cities.

“The mission of the United States military is not that boots on the ground for stuff like that, it’s for insurrection, it’s for rebellion against the United States. It’s not for that,” Johnson said. (RELATED: Back the Blue Budget: Wisconsin Republicans Beef Up Law Enforcement, Dems Say No)