Local police and the owner of the Cherry Hill Mall on Monday announced a curfew for unaccompanied children the day after Christmas.

“Cherry Hill Mall Management will enforce a parental escort policy on Thursday starting at 4:00 p.m. until mall closing at 9:00 p.m.,” read a statement from Cherry Hill police Monday. “All guests 17 and under are to be accompanied by a parent or supervising adult age 21 or older. Proof of age is required for admittance. One parent or supervising adult may accompany up to four youths.”

Two years ago, up to 1,000 youths, mostly teens, were in the middle of melees that closed the mall around midday the day after Christmas. Some shoppers were stuck inside of stores after workers locked doors and grates as chaos ensued before police and security guards restored order. Last year, the mall closed at 6 p.m.

“Parents and guardians should not be dropping off their children unsupervised at retail shopping centers,” police said Monday. “Juveniles not acting responsibly will be escorted from the property and those engaging in criminal behavior will be arrested and prosecuted.”

Five juveniles were arrested after the incident in 2017.

“The safety and security of our shoppers, retailers, and employees are always top priority," a statement from PREIT, the mall owner said Monday. “The day after Christmas is one of the busiest days of the year at the mall.”

Bill Duhart may be reached at bduhart@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @bduhart. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips.

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