A New Jersey police department is taking a firm stance against unruly behavior by juveniles in light of recent crimes involving underage visitors in towns along the Jersey Shore, a popular tourist destination.
The Margate City Police Department has announced that it will enforce a city ordinance aimed at addressing unsupervised juveniles engaging in unlawful behavior or putting their safety at risk between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Recent incidents, including a stabbing on the boardwalk in Ocean City during Memorial Day weekend, have prompted authorities to take action. In response to the violence, Wildwood has implemented a ban on backpacks on its beach and boardwalk from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Under the new enforcement measures in Margate City, officers will intervene when encountering unsupervised juveniles and bring them to the police department. Parents or guardians will be contacted to pick up their children, and if necessary, they will be issued a summons while the child faces charges for the offense.
The city's ordinance, known as 'Ordinance 117-4 Parental Responsibility,' holds parents or guardians accountable for allowing minors to loiter or be unsupervised in public areas during specified hours. The police department emphasized the importance of parental responsibility in ensuring the safety of the community.
In a statement posted on Facebook, the police expressed their frustration with the lack of parental supervision and the need for stricter measures to address the issue. The enforcement of the ordinance is a response to the failure of previous calls for better parental supervision.
Authorities are urging parents to take responsibility for their underage and unsupervised children to prevent further incidents and maintain public safety in the community.
