Huron OPP offer reminder of provincial curfew for youth

(HURON COUNTY, ON) - The Huron County OPP reminds parents, caregivers and young teens about the curfew provisions under the Child and Family Services Act. 

Early Monday morning, July 31, just before 3 a.m., Huron OPP officers were called to trouble with youth in the area of William Street and Rattenbury Street East in Clinton. 

A witness reported a group of three youth was ringing doorbells and banging on doors throughout the neighbourhood. A lawn ornament (concrete goose) was also found in the middle of Gibbings Street. Officers made patrols of the area but were unsuccessful in locating the youth.

During the summer break, police tend to see a rise in the number of occurrences involving unsupervised youth. The most common youth-related occurrences include: vandalism, mischief, loitering, trespassing, under-age drinking, thefts from motor vehicles and noise complaints.  

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 they found themselves in. Open and frank conversations between parents/caregivers and young people need to happen often, especially during the summer when many youth have less formal structure and guidance.  

Parents are reminded that the onus is on them to know where their children are at all times. If children are staying at a friend's place, be sure this is communicated between parents. 

The Huron County OPP reminds parents and youth about the curfew provisions of the Child and Family Services 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.

There is an old adage, "Nothing good happens after midnight." In the case of unsupervised teens roaming the streets, this statement proves to be true more often than not. So have that chat with your child and keep a close eye.