CHESTER, P.A. (KYW Newsradio) — After officials said there’s been a rise in juvenile-related criminal activity in Chester over the last few years, the city is enacting a summertime curfew this year that will last until Aug. 31.
The curfew begins at 9 p.m. every night and lasts until 6 a.m.
Feedback from community members has been a mixed bag, with some in support of the measure while others like Paris Shaw think it won’t have much of an effect on behavior.
“They’re still going to go outside, so I don’t think it’s going to work,” she said.
Instead of a curfew, Shaw said she thought a heavier police presence in parts of the community would work better curbing crime.
“They have to play the part more,” she said.
Amber was on the other side of the issue, and said the curfew was a step in the right direction.
“I think it’s a good idea, if they’re going to stick to it,” she said. “You have to make some type of rules for these kids. These kids are out of control.”
However, Amber also said she hoped the kids were treated with some level of respect by police in instances where they do violate curfew.
“In front of your crib, I ain’t set trippin off of that,” she said. “They can be in front of the house on the porch, as long as they ain’t doing the most.”
Police are asking parents and guardians to remain engaged, and monitor their children's whereabouts, ensuring they are observing curfew hours.
They also added that it’s against the law for parents to knowingly allow their children to violate curfew.
For business owners, allowing unaccompanied minors they are not employing to remain in their establishment during curfew hours may also result in fines.