Police Crackdown on Montauk Lawbreakers

Local police are continuing their efforts to step up enforcement in the Montauk area following citizens’ complaints earlier this month.

Over the weekend, the East Hampton Town Police Department hosted an East End DWI Task Force operation on Route 27 west of Old Montauk Highway, leading to several arrests and tickets.

In total, 20 officers from 11 East End police agencies assisted in the patrol on Saturday night, making eight arrests, including six for DWI, and issuing an additional 30 traffic tickets, according to police.

Local patrols also issued 31 town code summons, 17 vehicle and traffic tickets and five parking tickets in Montauk on Saturday, according to police.

On Friday night, 27 Town Code, 34 vehicle and traffic and 20 parking summons were issued as well, police said.

East Hampton Police Chief Michael Sarlo told Newsday that police planned the task force operation in April, but were now able to send “some additional personnel given the current climate and volume of people on the roads in Montauk.”

East Hampton Town authorized overtime funding for police, fire and code enforcement earlier this month after residents became fed up after the Fourth of July weekend, stating that Montauk has gained a reputation as a “party town,” and created problems in the small hamlet including public urination, noise, parking problems, and overcrowding of rental homes and bars.