Kids shoplifting prompt police warning

‘‘As the school holidays approach it is a good time to refresh your children's memories on acceptable behaviour.’’

Police are warning parents to be aware of their children’s behaviour and who their friends are after two youngsters were detained for shoplifting.

Two boys, aged just seven and eight years old, were temporarily detained by police last week for shoplifting toys and Matamata Police sergeant Blair Hayde says parents need to be paying attention to their children’s daily activities.

‘‘As the school holidays approach it is a good time to refresh your children’s memories on acceptable behaviour, it is also important to know who they are with and who may be influencing them.’’

He says this also goes for youths riding on the footpaths in town, following repeated complaints.

‘‘The footpath is the safest place for some of the younger ones as the roads can be very busy.

‘‘However they need to be considerate to pedestrians, and not be doing wheel stands and riding fast or in large groups. I would appreciate parents talking to their children if they are heading into town on their bikes.’’ peoople being ridden on Dunlop Rd.

Police located two other stolen bikes as they searched properties for this one and urge those responsible to either inform them of its location or surrender it.

Matamata Police have set up a Facebook page to to share information with the community and give a portal for information to be reported.

‘‘We will regularly be putting any stolen or found property on the page to try to re unite it with the owners.

‘‘But bear in mind I am not Facebook expert. Constable Jack Driver who runs the Waikato Police facebook page will be assisting me to bring it up to speed.’’