Only two hours into 2024, and more than a dozen hungry and thirsty people found their way into a Wawa store that was supposed to be closed.

It happened at the Route 35 Wawa in Wall Township at 2 a.m. on New Year’s Day. Police say when employees closed the store before midnight, one of the locks malfunctioned. Between 15 and 20 young people then stole snacks, drinks and smokeless tobacco products - totaling around $175. At least two people left money on the counter, but the police want the others to come forward.

“It’s not the crime of the century but it’s not right. You can’t do that and go into a closed business even though the door was left open. That’s where it becomes a crime,” said Wall Township Police Chief Sean O’Halloran.

A group of teenagers visiting Wawa on Tuesday told News 12 that stealing is wrong and told what they would do if they found themselves accidentally inside a Wawa that was not open.

“I would use the self-checkout, get what I want and then leave. I think that’s the right thing to do. My mom taught me not to steal, so it’s what I would do,” said Luca Perkins, of Point Pleasant Beach.

“I understand it’s 2 a.m. on New Year’s Day. They’re hungry. You're not who you are, but it’s the wrong thing to do,” said Jake Salerno, also of Point Pleasant Beach.

Police are asking the people who took something to confess and pay for what they stole.