A new summer fad is worrying police – youngsters using online chat rooms to organize massive dangerous beach parties.
Cops say the gatherings are set up through social-media channels and can involve thousands of unruly celebrants.
Recent incidents have occurred in places such as Hampton Beach, just over Maine’s border with New Hampshire.
An estimated 50 people were arrested amid fights and chaos May 19 at Hampton, the same day three people were stabbed at Narragansett Beach in Rhode Island.
The incidents were advertised as beach takeovers on social media.
And if it’s happening as close to Maine as Hampton, summer party town Old Orchard Beach can’t be far behind.
“Officials say the unsanctioned gatherings organized through social media can draw thousands of teens and young adults to beaches with little warning, sometimes leading to fights, alcohol violations, traffic problems and dozens of arrests,” according to NBC Boston’s Malcolm Johnson.
“These crowds just pop up out of virtually nowhere,” Sgt. Ryan Carr of the Dennis, Massachusetts Police Department said. “Snapchat message, Instagram – now we are seeing a group or a person on a computer acting as a central point to disperse the word of these massive parties.”
New England’s coastal police agencies say they are increasing staffing, monitoring social-media activity and coordinating with regional law-enforcement partners to prevent further incidents this summer.
