ENM Police will be more aggressive in enforcing curfew
In response to an increased amount of vandalism, the Elko New Market Police Department will be enforcing the city’s curfew for juveniles more aggressively.
Police Chief Steve Mortenson said that over the summer and fall the city saw a rise in the amount of vandalism in city parks. He noted there were garbage cans tipped over and picnic tables were moved from park shelters to nearby streets, although there haven’t been any accidents. The department believes it’s likely been juveniles that have been committing the acts of petty vandalism.
Chief Mortenson said the police department will be stepping up its enforcement of the curfew. He noted that before they would have given a warning, now it can result in the issuing of a citation. The breaking of curfew is a misdemeanor.
Under the city’s laws for a juvenile: • Under age 12 the curfew is 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Friday and Saturday • Ages 12-14 it is 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Friday and Saturday • Ages 15-17 it’s 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 12:01-5 a.m. on Friday and Saturday
Chief Mortenson hopes parents will aid in this, in knowing where their children are and help curtail the vandalism.