IN RESPONSE to the police’s increased activity in town following the youth disorder:

I wonder if they’ll keep this up and maintain the operation?

Or is it just one of those “oh, let’s just appease the people and move the youths along for a little bit”?

I’m not saying the police are useless.

Due to a severe lack of funding and numbers, it’s difficult.

But I don’t fully agree when people say the kids are bored and have nothing at all to do – it isn’t really a good excuse for this behaviour, now is it?

It all starts at home, with the parents.

We all did silly stuff when we were younger, but what these kids are doing now is nothing short of gang mentality.

We need to engage both kids and parents.

Make them both take responsibility for their actions.

I wouldn’t say use fines as a deterrent, as that would likely make things worse.

Especially for those already suffering at home.

So what do you do?

It’s tricky because these kids see most punishments as a badge of honour with no regard to how it could impact their future.

In my personal opinion, there could be an enforced curfew for youths below a certain age.

It may not be the best solution, but at least it’ll deter most from openly congregating and causing such a nuisance.

Especially when they’re coming from other towns and cities.

Jamie, via Facebook