Police are stepping up their patrols in our central city to proactively tackle an increasing problem of disorderly and drunken behaviour by groups of young people that has developed over recent weeks.
Problems with alcohol and young people are not new. My worry is these teenagers – some as young as 13 – are drunk at 3am in the city at weekends. The groups have been abusive and threatening. They are a risk to both themselves and others. I’m concerned that without our police being proactive, the problem will grow, and someone will get seriously injured or worse.
There is no evidence that our bars are providing alcohol to these under-age teens, but we do ask proprietors to be extra vigilant about who they serve. It is more likely that young people over 18 are legally purchasing the alcohol and then supplying it to the younger teenagers. They need reminding that this is an offence, and they risk prosecution.
Police do have the power to take under-18-year-olds home to their families or another safe place if the young people are drunk or police are concerned for their safety. I am pleased police are intending to step up the use of this power.
We ask our parents of teenagers to help police in their efforts to get on top of this problem. We need parents to talk to their children about where they are going, have age-appropriate curfews, ensure they are with safe and responsible people and have a plan to get home safely.
As a community, we also need to provide as many different constructive activities for our young people as possible. I am in awe of the volunteer effort that goes into our sports clubs, youth music and theatre groups, cadet units and community organisations that provide opportunities for our young.
I pride Nelson on having a safe central city and being a great place to raise a family. This means we need to get on top of these recent problems before they get out of hand. I welcome the police being so responsive to these concerns and want us to support them.
