As a result township police along with the Toms River OEM have issued a nightly curfew prohibiting anyone under the age of 17-years old to be on any public street, avenue, boulevard, place, walkway, alley, park, or any public area or unimproved private property located in the North Beach area of the Township between 9:00 pm and 5:00 am unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Police said that the North Beach area includes, but is not limited to, Silver Beach, Monterey, Normandy, Chadwick, Ocean Beaches 1, 2 and 3.

So, why the curfew?

Toms River Police have received a large spike in juvenile complaints in that area since the beginning of June.

Residents have reported increasing problems with unruly juveniles congregating nightly in violation of the social distancing and face mask restrictions imposed by the governor's executive order as well as committing acts of criminal mischief and other disorderly behavior.

In late June, Toms River Police Spokeswoman Jillian Messina said that juveniles, mostly out of town residents, are congregating in large groups specifically in the northern beach sections and committing destructive behavior.

"It is a small community, they are traveling around and area primarily in Normandy and Chadwick beach," Messina told WOBM News at the time. "While some live in the area, many are from neighboring towns and are being dropped off."

Some of the crimes these juveniles are committing include destruction of property, yelling loud obscenities and trespassing.

On Thursday, Toms River Police issued a statement adding that the recent acts in that area, "threaten the public health, safety, and welfare of the affected the communities.

While we understand these are difficult times and children are frustrated with the lack of open activities, it is not an excuse for misbehavior and disrespect within our community.

We are committed to the safety of all of our residents.

Together the Toms River Police Department, Office of Emergency Management, and other Township officials have determined that these incidents warrant the imposition of a limited curfew in the North Beach area upon juveniles."

Vin
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You can follow Vin Ebenau on Twitter and Instagram and email news tips to vin.ebenau@townsquaremedia.com.

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