Police ask newspapers to remove boxes where Celtics revelers gather

By Stefanie Geisler, Globe Correspondent

As a safety precaution during the NBA Finals, Boston police are asking newspaper outlets to remove distribution boxes from parts of the city to prevent revelers from using them to commit vandalism or injure themselves and others.

North Station, home of TD Garden, Faneuil Hall, and Kenmore Square are areas of particular concern.

"They get tossed around and things of that nature," said Officer James Kenneally, a police spokesman. In the past, the boxes have been thrown through windows, for example.

After the Celtics won the title in 2008, more than two dozen people -- some of whom toppled newspaper boxes -- were arrested when celebrations turned rowdy.

The police department would like the boxes removed by Wednesday until the conclusion of the finals. The Celtics host the Lakers for three straight games, beginning tonight.

Robert Powers, a Globe spokesman, said that as in the past, the newspaper "will cooperate with public safety officials and remove vending machines where necessary.''