'Here to help': Police ask parents not to warn children about them
It's after claims officers would take children away if they're naughty
Last updated 7th Dec 2022
Police in Bournemouth are asking parents not to warn children about them after overhearing comments at the town's Christmas market.
While on patrol, officers heard parents tell their under 10s that police would 'take them away if they're naughty'.
Officers say they want youngsters to understand they're 'here to help'.
In a statement on Facebook, Bournemouth Police said: "We are here for you and to make this event as safe as possible. Do stop us for a chat (or picture) if we can help with anything.
"We have a small favour to ask - quite a few parents have been joking with their under 10s "Look the Police. They will take you away if you're naughty".
"We politely ask that you don't joke in this way with young children.
"The Christmas Market is an invaluable opportunity for children to interact with uniformed Police Officers and increase their understanding that we are here to help them, if they get lost or need us for anything else. Thank You."