'Large Groups' Of Kids At EpiCentre Draw Police Response In Manalapan

MANALAPAN, NJ — Manalapan Police will station their officers at the local EpiCentre following "numerous complaints" about large groups of juveniles congregating in parking lots and stores.

According to an online post from the police department, these complaints have stemmed from patrons and businesses, who say that the kids are congregating "with no legitimate reason to be there."

In some instances, the kids have been reported to be harassing patrons, acting disorderly, obstructing vehicle traffic and creating safety issues for themselves, patrons and businesses, police said.

In response to these complaints, Manalapan Police officers will be assigned to the EpiCentre (which includes Target, Wegmans, and various other stores) and will be enforcing the township ordinance prohibiting loitering.

Police are asking parents and guardians to monitor where their children are congregating and ensure that they're aware that loitering at the EpiCentre is not permitted by the property manager or Target management and will be enforced by police.

Authorities are also asking that unaccompanied juveniles not be dropped off at the EpiCentre to loiter.

Parents will be contacted to pick up their children and remove them from the property, and summonses may be issued.

"We appreciate your anticipated cooperation to ensure the safety of both juveniles and the patrons engaged in legitimate business at the EpiCentre," police said.

To see the original announcement from the police department, you can click here.