Gorgeous Cape Cod beaches face a huge police crackdown after being ruined by boozed-up brawls and selfish visitors who’ve left them covered with trash.
Officials in the town of Dennis have announced new measures at Mayflower Beach, Chapin Memorial Beach and Bayview Beach ahead of the Fourth of July.
In past years, police have reported a dramatic spike in the amount of fighting, binge drinking and drug use on the stretches of sand.
In response, Police Chief John Brady announced earlier this week that there will be a ‘zero tolerance’ approach with his police department out in full force.
In the last three 4th of July holidays, police data showed that officers had to respond to over 1,200 calls for assistance at the beaches, which included 459 last year.
In past years, police have reported a dramatic spike in the amount of fighting, binge drinking and drug use on the stretches of sand – which has left them in a state of disarray
As part of their announcement, the local police department shared footage of brawls on areas of the beach that took place last year
Officials in the town of Dennis have announced new measures at Mayflower Beach, seen here, Chapin Memorial Beach and Bayview Beach ahead of the Fourth of July
According to the Boston Herald, there has been a 100 percent increase in beach related calls for emergency services across the three beaches since 2019.
As a result, no daily parking passes are to be sold or accepted for the three beaches on July 4, only those with appropriate parking stickers will be allowed in to lots.
While a parking ban is set to be in full effect for surrounding neighborhoods and businesses, and any vehicle violating the ban will be ticketed and/or towed.
Officials have also implemented a zero tolerance approach to alcohol consumption, drug use, loud music and unsafe behavior.
As part of their announcement, the local police department shared footage of brawls on areas of the beach that took place last year.
Recent incidents in past years include officers disrupting a live boxing match that was set to take place on one of the beaches last year on July 4.
Another involved a man being violently assaulted in a beach bathhouse, sustaining serious facial injuries.
While in 2022, officers reported between 200 to 300 people performing ‘Oklahoma’ football tackle drills, the same year a large dune was set on fire.
Local reports from last year said that thousands of teenagers and young adults descended on the beaches at the town for July 4.
Police at the time said they left an ‘extraordinary’ amount of trash which included broken glass, coolers, beach chairs and aluminum cans.
Officers said the large crowds arrived at dawn and set up on the beach for the day, playing loud music and drinking alcohol before officials moved in to close the beach.
In total, officers arrested thirteen people and crowds left behind ‘several tons of trash’.
Dennis Select Board Chair Christopher Lambton said in a statement: ‘Local and seasonal Dennis residents and visitors should be able to go to their local beach without encountering massive drinking parties organized by visitors who come to the beach for the day and leave utter chaos in their wake.
‘We believe these actions will help to make the beaches safer for everyone and help ensure that we all have a happy Fourth of July.’
Local reports from last year said that thousands of teenagers and young adults descended on the beaches at the town for July 4
In 2022, officers reported between 200 to 300 people performing ‘Oklahoma’ football tackle drills, the same year a large dune was set on fire
While Chief Brady said: ‘The crowds have been descending upon our beaches for the past couple of years and it has caused significant public safety hazards and concerns.
‘My first priority is ensuring that Dennis first responders can properly patrol the beach, quickly respond to emergencies, and help make this an enjoyable July 4th for responsible beachgoers.
‘Our officers will be out in full force, and we will be bringing in additional resources to help this effort.’
Mayflower Beach made headlines in 2017 after four teens were arrested for allegedly having sex in the waters off the beach, in view of a crowd on July Fourth.
The four teens – Julianna Murphy, 19; Stephen Cerrone, 19; Lukas Kaminski, 19; and Molly Hines, 18 – were charged with disorderly conduct.