EAST NEW MARKET, Md. - Another town in Dorchester County could be considering a curfew.
First, it was Cambridge to instate a juvenile curfew. But because of recent events in East New Market, its leaders are weighing the option.
About two weeks ago, Johnny's Tavern was broken in to and burglarized. The manager, Amy Wright, says they were not going to post anything. But because of a series of small crimes and words spreading around about suspicious activity, Wright says it was the right thing to do.
Wright says crime or unusual activity is out of the ordinary for East New Market. "It does not happen here. My family has owned this for 4 and a half years and this is our first time, unfortunately," says Wright. She added, "Well unusual activity is going on in the town along with of course our robbery. But more activity, early morning hours on the street, young people from what we hear, uh walking the streets around 3 am and a little bit of destruction of properties."
Other neighbors like Len Zeller say, "I have heard a little bit about people trying car handles seeing what they could find."
According to Mayor Steve Tolley, the pumpkins on his property were smashed, the newspaper holder at the post office was turned upside down, and there have been reports of suspicious activity at early morning hours.
While these seem like minor things and typical mischief, neighbor Kirsten Ewing says it's a concern. "It's just one thing after another. It's usually not. Nothing happens around here because it's a small quiet town and usually everybody keeps to themselves. You don't even really see people walking outside at night, ever."
So Tolley explained to WBOC that the town might be following in the footsteps of the city of Cambridge. He explained how a juvenile curfew could be up for discussion by the council.
Some of those in town feel it could be a good idea.
"I think that is a good idea to make sure nothing bad is happening because I know when I was a kid and stuff I wasn't doing the greatest and stuff. At that time like 2 a.m. you're just looking for trouble," says Ewing.
No firm decisions have been made on a possible juvenile curfew. The next town council meeting is Oct. 24.