Hundreds of drunk youths have been plaguing a popular West Country beach over recent weeks. More than 300 teenagers have been gathering at Hayle Beach, near St Ives, where police say they have been "intoxicated" and in vulnerable situations.
Officers from across the country have now united to issue a stark warning to parents as they believed many were unaware of their children's whereabouts. Police say the huge gatherings have been taking place during weekends and half term, reports CornwallLive.
During the meet-ups, there has been "alcohol misuse, criminal damage to property and vehicles, as well as nuisance and anti-social behaviour had all been taking place". They added that some youngsters had also been found "intoxicated" and in vulnerable situations.
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"A cause for concern bearing in mind the coastline and other associated factors," a police spokesperson said. "There is also an increased risk of sexual assaults and violence."
The officers urged parents to have "conversations with your children around the identified dangers and putting themselves in vulnerable situations, to actively discourage this behaviour as well as ensuring that you know their whereabouts".
In a post on Facebook, the police team said: "Over recent weekends and during half term we have seen around 300 youths congregating on the sand dunes at Hayle Beach and we know that young people are coming from all over the County to meet up, often using the trains and the buses to attend pre-arranged gatherings which are shared on social media.
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"It has come to our attention that many of the parents are unaware of the scale of the gatherings and the associated risks. Please can I urge you to have conversations with your children around the identified dangers and putting themselves in vulnerable situations to actively discourage this behaviour as well as ensuring that you know their whereabouts.
"Substance and alcohol misuse, criminal damage to property and vehicles, as well as nuisance and anti-social behaviour have been taking place and people have been found intoxicated in vulnerable situations, a cause for concern bearing in mind the coastline and other associated factors. There is also an increased risk of sexual assaults and violence.
"Whilst we appreciate the young people within our communities need to have a place to go and be with their friends, the behaviour described will not be tolerated and we will look to take positive action which may include prosecution and the anti-social behaviour system, in order to prevent reoffending and reimburse those who are affected. We will also confiscate alcohol and utilise dispersal powers to move people on.
"We are working closely with our local schools in order to raise awareness and promote safety and I would really appreciate your support and assistance with this matter."
Another Cornish town is also struggling with anti-social behaviour, with the area being described as a "war-zone". Now some visitors are too afraid to visit Gyllyngvase Beach after the disturbance.
According to Falmouth Packet, the popular Swanpool Beach Cafe was all but set on fire, after someone left a disposable barbecue in a wooden bin, while other barbecue sparked flames in other locations.
