Crime & Safety

After Colorado 'Batman' Shooting, AMC Theater Near Avon Bans Masks, Fake Weapons

How else has the massacre that killed at least 12 at a screening of "The Dark Knight Rises" affected security at movie theaters in the Avon area?

Apart from increasing security measures at its locations, like in Plainville, AMC Theatres announced Friday it is prohibiting guests into its theaters that wear costumes that might make other guests uncomfortable or masks or who carry fake weapons.

The national movie theater company announced the policy change on its Facebook pageFriday in light of the tragic shooting in Colorado at a movie theater by a heavily armed gunman. The incident has left 12 people dead and over 70 wounded.

Often times during blockbuster movie premiers — such as Star Wars, Harry Potter or Twilight — ardent fans will don costumes that resemble the characters of the film.

Find out what's happening in Avonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

At the same time, AMC said its reinforcing its security procedures and coordinating such efforts with local authorities.

“We are taking necessary precautions to ensure our guests who wish to enjoy a movie this weekend can do so with as much peace of mind as possible in these circumstances,” the statement read.

Find out what's happening in Avonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Here’s the full statement from the company:

AMC Theatres is deeply saddened by the Aurora tragedy. Movie going is part of our social fabric and this senseless act shakes us to our core. We’re reinforcing our security procedures with our theatre teams, which we cannot discuss in detail for obvious, safety reasons. Local law enforcement agencies, our landlords and their and our local security teams are stepping up nationwide to ensure we provide the safest environment possible for our guests. We couldn’t be more grateful for their collective support.

At this time, our show schedules circuit-wide will not change. We will not allow any guests into our theatres in costumes that make other guests feel uncomfortable and we will not permit face-covering masks or fake weapons inside our buildings. If guests wish to exchange or refund any tickets, we will honor our existing policy and do as our guests wish. We are taking necessary precautions to ensure our guests who wish to enjoy a movie this weekend can do so with as much peace of mind as possible in these circumstances.

Just over the town line from Avon, police are increasing security at the , as well as in West Hartford at the .


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.