Teen Curfew In Effect In Toms River Beach Areas

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Warm weather is back and encouraging people to be outdoors much later into the evening. That means the return of something else: a curfew for teens in the barrier island sections of Toms River.

Toms River police announced the return of the curfew Monday evening. It begins immediately and runs through Labor Day weekend, police said.

Anyone age 17 or younger is prohibited from being on a public street, avenue, boulevard, place, walkway, alley, park, or any public area or unimproved private property in the north beach areas between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., unless they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

In 2020 the curfew was 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. and was particularly aimed at rowdy behavior that was happening in Chadwick Beach and Normandy Beach.

"Last summer we began experiencing a significant increase in the number of unruly juveniles congregating and committing offenses in the northern beach section of town," said Jillian Messina, media relations specialist for the Toms River Police Department. "In response to the ongoing issues a curfew was established for the summer months and will continue this summer." Read more: Rowdy Teens Prompt Curfew In Toms River Beach Communities

The police department will be adding officers and resources "to address any potential issues," she said. "The Toms River Police Department is committed to protecting the residents of our community as well as their property and will not tolerate disrespectful or destructive behavior."

Police said parents from other towns should not be dropping their kids off and leaving them in the area, either.

"A heightened police presence will be in effect and there will be zero tolerance for all offenses, including motor vehicle infractions," Messina said.

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