10 Arrested as New Bedford Crackdown Targets These Popular Summer Spots

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — New Bedford Police are advising the public that they have increased enforcement efforts at beaches and along the city’s South End peninsula, with 10 arrests made in those areas in recent weeks.

In a Facebook post, the department said that officers from the Patrol Division and the Traffic Division combined to conduct over 140 directed patrols, made 283 traffic stops, and made 10 arrests in the beach and peninsula areas over the past three weeks.

They have also responded to “numerous disturbance-related calls for service,” police wrote.

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Increased Patrols and Traffic Stops on the Peninsula

Typically, as spring turns into summer and the weather warms up, the beaches get busier and there are more people and vehicles descending upon the South End peninsula.

This year, police have stepped up their presence and shared a graphic, showing the increase in enforcement activity between last year and this year over that same three-week period.

Quality-of-Life Violations Impacting Neighborhoods

“Visitors are reminded that these recreational areas are also surrounded by residential neighborhoods,” police wrote. “Excessive noise, disorderly behavior, littering, public drinking, illegal fireworks, unauthorized parking, and other violations that spill into the neighborhoods negatively impact the quality of life.”

They said officers “will continue actively enforcing laws and regulations related to loud exhaust, loud music, illegal fireworks, public drinking, littering, disorderly conduct, along with parking and traffic violations.”

Chief Thody Emphasizes Safe, Respectful Summer

Police Chief Jason Thody said the department is committed to maintaining a “visible presence” on the peninsula and other public spaces.

"Our beaches and parks are great places to enjoy the outdoors in New Bedford. We are asking everyone to enjoy them responsibly and respectfully so that all residents and visitors can have a safe and enjoyable summer,” New Bedford Police Chief Jason Thody said. “Our officers will continue to maintain a visible presence and address violations that negatively impact the quality of life in the neighborhoods and everyone's ability to enjoy our recreational locations."

Police also noted that all city parks, beaches and their associated parking lots have established closing times that will be enforced.