North Yorkshire Police is urging parents and carers to make sure they know where their children are during the half-term holidays next week.
It's part of the force's ongoing efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour, with local Neighbourhood Policing Teams making plans to deal with an anticipated increase in reports of trouble involving teenagers.
Assistant Chief Constable Lindsey Butterfield said: “During the school holidays we tend to see an increase in complaints of anti-social behaviour where children and young people are identified as being responsible.
“While the minority maybe causing issues, we find that most youngsters we speak to are polite and respectful and are simply enjoying being with their friends.
“To be clear, we will not move kids on who are not causing issues. Their presence alone is not an issue in most circumstances.
“However, some youngsters can find themselves getting drawn into anti-social behaviour, including street drinking or intimidating residents by gathering in large groups and being disruptive.
“Our policing teams will respond to such issues and will use powers to disperse these groups if necessary.
“Any behaviour that spills over into criminal acts such as criminal damage or assaults will be treated very seriously and offenders can expect to face action.
“As a preventative measure, we are urging parents and carers to work with us over half-term and make sure you know where your children are going to be and what they are doing.”
If youngsters are found to be causing issues by the police, there may be consequences for them as well as for their parents or carers.
This could mean:
- You will have to leave whatever it is you are doing to go and collect them
- Their details could be logged on the local police system
- They may receive a dispersal
- They may be investigated for any subsequent criminal offences
- They could end up being charged with a criminal offence
- They could be putting themselves in danger
- Police will submit referrals to other agencies with concerns they have
Assistant Chief Constable Lindsey Butterfield added: “We encourage parents and carers to have open and honest conversations with your youngsters, take responsibility for their safety and teach them how to keep safe, and make sure they know the risks of being involved in crime and anti-social behaviour.
“We believe this is the best approach to deal with this issue and ensure all in our communities are safe and feel safe.”
If youngsters are causing anti-social behaviour, acting in an intimidating manner or preventing you from accessing areas within the community safely, then you can make a report by calling the non-emergency number 101, selecting option 1 to speak to the Force Control Room. If there is an immediate risk of harm and an emergency response is required, always dial 999.
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