Don’t turn a blind eye to youth disorder

After a slew of vandal attacks and youth disorder in our town, parents are being asked: Do you know where your kids are? Well, do you? It’s a simple enough question which the vast majority will be able to answer with ease.

But those who don’t care or turn a blind eye to the activities of their offspring need to reassess their stance.

Repeated wanton damage is being caused at Usworth Park, Washington, which is a huge cause for concern for the authorities as well as an unnecessary cost to the public purse.

We have reported a number of shocking incidents such as trees being set on fire and fires, youths urinating in the park and slates being pulled from the roof of the bowling club buildings, and the attacks show now sign of abating.

This is bad news at the best of times, but with lockdown restrictions becoming tighter, it’s even more important than ever for parents to be extra vigilant. As Sergeant Patrick Scott, of Northumbria Police, said: “This type of behaviour will not be tolerated and we understand the corrosive and harmful impact that the actions of a minority can have on the wider community.”

Extra patrols are planned for the area with a no-nonsense approach to those responsible and, significantly, those parents and guardians who should know better.

We all have enough on our plate trying to cope with this pandemic without irresponsible youths and ignorant parents draining the community’s valuable resources. Sort it out.