A police inspector has asked parents if they "really know what their children are up to" after officers discovered more than 20 youths gathered together drinking alcohol in a park.
South Wales Police officers were patrolling Mumbles and its surrounding areas on the evening of Friday, March 12, and say they were "disgusted" with their findings at Underhill Park. Around 20 youths were there drinking, and ran off at the sight of officers, leaving behind piles of alcohol bottles, smashed glass and rubbish.
Officers wrote about the incident on Twitter, with the message: "Gower neighbourhood police team patrolling Mumbles and surrounding areas and disgusted with our findings at Underhill Park. Approximately 20 youths ran off. All bottles and rubbish cleared by officers."
The gathering was a breach of the Welsh Government's alert level four coronavirus guidelines. Since Saturday, March 13, a maximum of four people from two different households have been allowed to meet outdoors, socially distanced.
Police inspector for the Gower and Townhill sector, Andy Harris said: “We appreciate this past year has been particularly tough, but we’d ask all parents/guardians to consider that anti-social behaviour can have a significant impact on our communities. Your child’s safety, and preventing further issues, are a priority and we would like to make it clear that underage drinking is anti-social behaviour and this will not be tolerated.
“All of us should be adhering to the current Covid-19 legislation and guidelines which are in place to keep everyone safe. As parents or guardians you do have an important and valued role to play – we would ask you, do you really know what your children are up to?
"I would strongly urge all parents and guardians reinforce the message that youths need to behave responsibly when outside of the home to help us keep our communities places for all to enjoy.”
