TOMS RIVER, NJ Beginning Thursday night, kids under the age of 18 will have to be off the streets in Toms River's barrier island beach communities from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. under an order issued by the Toms River authorities.

The curfew has been instituted in response to continuing problems with kids gathering in large groups in those communities and vandalizing property and causing other problems, said Jillian Messina, media relations specialist with the Toms River Police Department.

"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, and also committing acts of criminal mischief and other disorderly behavior," Messina said, quoting an emergency order issued by the township's Office of Emergency Management and the police department.

The incidents have been happening in the North Beach area on the barrier island, which includes Silver Beach, Monterey, Normandy Beach, Chadwick Beach and Ocean Beaches 1, 2 and 3.

The incidents have been happening since early June, Messina said, and have continued despite warnings from the police department for parents to not drop off kids at random in the communities. Read more: Keep Kids Home, Toms River Police Warn, After Property Damage

"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," Messina said.

The curfew prohibits anyone 17 or younger from being on "a 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 p.m. and 5 a.m., unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian," according to the order.

Messina said the goal has been "to educate our community, especially parents."

Kids who are out in violation fo the curfew will be told to go home, she said. Those who refuse to follow the curfew "may be taken into protective custody and returned to their homes with charges pending.

"When violations are egregious, they may be taken into custody and brought to headquarters where complaints will be signed and a parent or a guardian will have to respond to pick them up after processing," she said.

Originally posted here:

Rowdy Teens Prompt Curfew In Toms River Beach Communities - Toms River, NJ Patch