Parents fined for lockdown breaches

TWO parents have received fines for Covid breaches in Okehampton after youths were found drunk and one was allegedly in possession of an offensive weapon.

It comes after Devon and Cornwall Police attended reports of anti-social behaviour in the town.

Police say that after attending the town’s skate park last week, they discovered a large group of youths engaged in anti-social behaviour and drinking alcohol. It led to police stopping two young males found to be under the influence of alcohol, with one of the boys in possession of an offensive weapon.

After being returned home to their parents, officers from Okehampton Police Station issued their parents with a fine for the breaches of the coronavirus rules.

Officers have also acknowledged ongoing issues with anti-social behaviour in the town, saying that the issues are “currently a high priority for West Devon Police” with teams patrolling the problem areas more frequently through the day and evening.

In a post on the Okehampton Police Facebook page, a spokesperson for the policing team called on residents to report incidents through the correct channels rather than on social media. They wrote: “We are aware that there has been a lot of social media posts in relation to anti-social behaviour in Okehampton.

“ASB in Okehampton is currently a high priority for West Devon Police and officers are patrolling the problem areas more frequently throughout the day and evening.

“We have had positive results and engagements with members of the public.

“For example, last week officers were called to the skate park for a large group of youths causing ASB and drinking alcohol. As a result of police attending two young males were stopped and found to be under the influence of alcohol, with one in possession of an offensive weapon. They were returned home and Covid tickets were issued to parents.

“This is just one example of the work we are doing, please be assured we are dealing with these issues and working with partner agencies to reduce the ASB issues.

“However, we do rely on public support and ask that people report incidents to us rather than taking action themselves. Please can we ask that any anti-social behaviour or criminal behaviour is reported through the correct channels on 101 (telephone or website) or 999 if an emergency.”