Police message to parents about youths gathering at Cornish beach
Officers say they've seen hundreds meeting on the sand dunes at Hayle Beach
Police have issued a message to parents after hundreds of young people have been seen gathering at a Cornish beach.
Officers say over recent weekends and the half term, they have seen around 300 youths congregating on the sand dunes at Hayle Beach.
They believe many parents are unaware of the children's whereabouts, as well as the scale of the gatherings.
Camborne, Pool and Redruth Police 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.
"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."
They add that substance and alcohol misuse, criminal damage, as well as anti-social behaviour have been taking place: "People have been found intoxicated in vulnerable situations, a cause for concern bearing in mind the coastline and other associated factors.
"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."