Police take steps to thwart potential pop-up parties at the Jersey Shore
Curfews have also been implemented in some towns.
More Stories
As Memorial Day weekend approaches, police departments in multiple Jersey Shore towns are taking steps to prevent potential pop-up parties and unsanctioned "takeovers."
On Tuesday night, fights and large crowds of unruly teenagers at Pier Village in Long Branch forced the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office to institute an 8 p.m. curfew. That curfew has since been lifted, and a spokesperson for the Sheriff's Office says there will be additional officers in the area this weekend.
As word of additional unsanctioned gatherings begins to spread on social media, police departments in Wildwood, Point Pleasant Beach and Seaside Heights have all announced plans to increase police visibility this summer to prevent pop-up parties that could cause disruptions down the shore.
In Wildwood, two organizers posting about these "takeovers" have already been served with cease-and-desist notices, Wildwood police said in a statement. Police say they will also be charged with "Disturbance at a Public Gathering" for inciting these types of unsanctioned takeovers, which they know will disrupt the public.
"As we work to try to identify more promoters of these unsanctioned takeovers, we would caution anyone coming to Wildwood with the intent of taking over any part of our city that they will be met with swift enforcement of not only New Jersey state laws, but also our local ordinances codified for these types of issues," Wildwood police said.
Wildwood currently has a 10 p.m. curfew in place for minors not in the company of their legal guardians. In addition, guardians could be charged for allowing their dependents to violate the curfew. Rules also include a ban on backpacks on the boardwalk after 8 p.m. The boardwalk will shut down at 1 a.m.
Police in Point Pleasant Beach say they are aware of a social media post promoting a potential pop-up event on May 30. They're working to track down the promoter and plan to stop any potential unapproved event.
Police in Seaside Heights also plan to have added patrols on the boardwalk. Officers will be stationed at every block, and Mayor Tony Vaz has also requested K-9 units and state police horses to help control crowds. Last year, more than 100 people were arrested and three people were stabbed in Seaside Heights during the summer season.
A New Jersey law recently put in place holds parents and guardians liable for minors involved in public violence or criminal property damage. Violations include fines and could also include jail time for subsequent offenses.
