Police pledge zero tolerance to repeat of antisocial behaviour

It follows problems last year, where officers had to deal with a number of violent incidents involving young people, which were often linked to social media.

‘We will be taking a zero-tolerance approach to this kind of behaviour, and we will be ensuring we have a high visibility police presence in public areas and at large public events,’ a spokesman said.

One example was a fight at the bus terminus earlier this month on Saturday 13 May, which saw one teenage male taken to hospital.

Four arrests were made immediately following this incident, including two 17-year-old youths on suspicion of assault and one 14-year-old female for disorderly behaviour.

‘The community can rest assured that Guernsey Police will tackle all sorts of antisocial and criminal behaviours, taking proportionate action, working with other partners, and ultimately, if needed, the courts,’ the spokesman said.

‘We will be monitoring these types of incidents and working closely with partner agencies and event organisers to ensure the community can enjoy themselves safely.

‘However, we would also ask parents to consider the responsibility they have to know what their children are up to and to ensure that they are not causing problems in the community.

‘While we know the vast majority of the community’s young people have no ill intent, and we by no means wish to demonise young people, the poor behaviour of a few can have a negative impact on many others. This will never be acceptable in the Bailiwick.’

The police are keen that witnesses to any such behaviour reports it to them.