Theft, mismanagement claims lead to changes at Yonkers ice rink

<p>EJ Murray&rsquo;s Memorial Ice Skating Center in Yonkers has been forced to revamp security measures after allegations of employee theft and mismanagement.&nbsp;</p>

News 12 Staff

Jan 27, 2018, 1:09 AM

Updated 2,290 days ago

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EJ Murray’s Memorial Ice Skating Center in Yonkers has been forced to revamp security measures after allegations of employee theft and mismanagement.
A cashier was arrested in October for allegedly stealing thousands of dollars in cash entrance fees. A manager was then accused of creating a hostile work place at the public recreation facility.
Yonkers Inspector General Brendan McGrath conducted a full review of the rink. The findings led to the firing of the manager of the rink. 
"The employees here generally are younger kids that are either ticket takers or working as cashiers,” says McGrath. “They're guards, so they're easily intimidated by someone in authority. So the manager was taking advantage of his position."
Earlier this week, the Parks Department tried a cashless entry system but quickly reverted back to allowing cash. It is now planning on using wristbands to manage entrance security and cash flow. The city also plans to take a closer look at who it’s hiring.

“One of the most important things is, and it’s hard, but you need to hire honest people,” says McGrath. “So you really need in the hiring process, you really need to dig a little deeper. Maybe we need to do background checks, maybe there's some more questions that we need to ask.”
Regulars at the rink said they’re concerned over the report findings.
“I’m surprised, says parent Pat Cambria. “I didn’t know any of this was happening.”


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