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Left-behind items at Nags Head beach cause safety concerns

A day at the beach isn't complete without some chairs, umbrellas and sand toys, but some are leaving all that behind, and it's becoming a real problem on the sand after sundown.

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NAGS HEAD, N.C. — A day at the beach isn't complete without some chairs, umbrellas and sand toys, but some are leaving all that behind, and it's becoming a real problem on the sand after sundown.

The Dare County town of Nags Head is considering ways to prevent that.

Police Chief Kevin Brinkley says more items are being left behind and that, at night, it becomes a safety concern for both the public and police who might need to respond to emergencies.

"During the daytime, they are easily seen, but at night, in the darkness, it's a totally different environment," said Brinkley.

A beach survey found that more than 100 tent frames were left on the beach overnight. Tourists say the habit is also unfair.

"They're just reserving their spot, that's all that is," said Tom Harman, who was visiting from Virginia. "That's not fair."

Town officials plan to take up the issue next week. In nearby Kill Devil Hills, officials started tagging equipment left overnight with fliers asking people to pick up the items.

Kill Devil Hills also passed a town ordinance allowing lifeguards to move tents out of their line of sight.

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