A safe summer is a supervised summer, says the OPP

(LONDON, ON) - The OPP is reminding parents and caregivers to spend some time talking with their children about respectful and acceptable behaviour during summer holidays.  

Common occurrences that police attend throughout the summer time are; acts of vandalism, mischief, shoplifting, loitering, trespassing, under-age drinking, field parties and general noise complaints. Police are encouraging parents/caregivers to take some time to not only teach young people about acceptable behaviour but also to supervise their activity.

Police experience tells us that more often than not youth who end up in trouble with the law were not properly instructed or supervised, prior to, or leading up to, the situation in which they found themselves involved. Open and frank conversations between parents/caregivers and young people need to happen often, especially during the summer months when many young people have less formal structure and guidance. 

Enrolling youth in summer programs is always a great way to keep them properly-motivated and community-minded. Summer time is a great time for students to build up their volunteer hours as well.   

The OPP reminds parents and youth about the curfew provisions of the Child and Family Services Act. Under this act, no parent of a child less than 16 years of age shall permit the child to loiter in a public place between midnight and 6 a.m. This offence is punishable by fine, if warranted, and youth can be apprehended by police without warrant and taken to their parent/caregiver.

It is the hope of the OPP that everyone will have an enjoyable, safe and respectable summer vacation.