Trouble with youth in Caledon parks

Over the past several Friday and Saturday nights, Caledon OPP has received numerous calls for officers to attend RJA Potts Memorial Park located on Landsbridge Street in Bolton.

The calls to police vary in nature but the common link is trouble with youth. Homeowners in and around the area have filed complaints of mischief to homeowners' property, mischief to park equipment, alcohol consumption and drug use. With the alcohol consumption comes the smashing of bottles causing a dangerous environment for all park users. When the police do locate and speak with these teens, the majority live in Bolton, many in the subdivision around the park.

The delinquent activity is occurring in the late evenings, around 10 p.m. and later. Caledon OPP request that parents of youth living in the area speak to their teenagers, if they are not at home in the late hours of the night, question their whereabouts. If their teenager states that they were just hanging out with friends in the park, then the parent should consider what activities were included in the "hanging out."

Under the Child and Family Services Act, Caledon OPP has in the past and will continue to impose a midnight to 6 a.m. curfew on kids under the age of 16, unless a parent-approved adult accompanies the youth. Children can be apprehended and a call placed to their parents, who would then be responsible for attending the police station to pick up the child.

Other consequences for the youth include charges under the Controlled Drug and Substance Act if they are found in a group where drugs are present, or charges under the Liquor Licence Act if found with alcohol. Criminal charges will be laid for those caught causing damages to park property or surrounding homeowners' property.

Many parents would be surprised to find that their child is involved in incidents such as these. The solution to these issues is the responsibility of everyone; parents, youth and police working together for a crime-free and safe community.