State and local leaders are cracking down on so-called pop-up parties ahead of the summer festivities.

Pop-up parties are usually posted about on social media. Hundreds of partygoers then show up at the designated area. These parties became controversial last summer when they brought chaos to the Jersey Shore.

Long Branch was home to one of the first major pop-up parties that caught the attention of residents, police departments and state leaders. Fights broke out and law enforcement struggled to control the crowds.

“I think it’s a bad thing, because, I mean, this is a quiet little town. You know we just want to keep it for the people and people come over here and make it look bad,” says Kevin Soriano, of Asbury Park.

“Obviously, there’s a lot of partying that happens down this way anyway. I think when it becomes an impediment to the community and overwhelming for law enforcement. That’s a different consideration,” says Courtney McDonnell, of Oceanport.

There was also an unsanctioned car rally in Wildwood in September. Two people were killed in a crash during the rally.

“We are working in anticipation of this potentially being a threat this summer,” state Attorney General Matt Platkin said.

The attorney general discussed the issue during Tuesday’s State Senate Budget and Appropriations meeting.

“Through our intelligence center we are tracking social media to identify pop-up parties that may be emerging and deploy resources proactively,” Platkin said.

Long Branch leaders also hope to prevent the pop-up parties from occurring again by taking a hard stance with organizers and those involved.

“Last summer the City of Long Branch aggressively pursued legal action, and if necessary, we will do the same this summer,” Long Branch Mayor John Pallone wrote in a statement.

Last fiscal year, $500,000 was allocated to pop-up party prevention by state leaders. The allocation remains the same this year.