THERE will be a more visible police presence in Peel this weekend after problems in the town last weekend.
Incidents of theft, damage to property, general nuisance behaviour, under-age drinking and drunkenness were dealt with by police in the town last weekend.
Most of the issues were reported at Peel Clothworkers’ School, Peel Campsite, Peel Skate Park, Castle Street gardens, Market Place, Shore Road, West View Playing Park and surrounding areas.
Police say they will be ‘enhancing’ their patrols in the area and ‘positive action’ will be taken with anyone found where they shouldn’t be or committing offences.
Sergeant Kemp said: ‘We are not for a minute suggesting that all of these issues and offences were committed by local youths as we are fully aware that youths from other areas had come into the town on each night. We are also cognisant that a lot of those in the town weren’t causing any problems.
‘Unfortunately, the majority of calls were related to youth anti-social behaviour and although our primary concern is the safety of the youths, obviously if we find offences taking place we will have to take positive action.
‘It was quite clear to us last weekend, that some of these youngsters had not been honest with their parents as to their whereabouts.
‘We are trying to prevent officers arriving on your doorstep with your worse-for-wear son or daughter, or worse still, calling to let you know that they are at police headquarters or up at the accident and emergency department as they are a medical concern due to the amount of alcohol they have consumed,’
He added: ‘This weekend is not only the weekend following the GCSE results but it is also pay weekend for a lot of people and therefore the town will be busy. The message to parents and carers is please help prevent any issues arising and the police becoming involved by knowing where your children are and what they are up to.’
More on this story - with pictures - in Monday’s Isle of Man Examiner