The police force covering Cherwell in Oxfordshire has called on parents to speak with their children about decision-making following an incident in which young people were discovered engaging in prohibited activities at a recreational area.
Local neighbourhood officers from Thames Valley Police encountered two juveniles consuming alcohol and using cannabis during routine patrols in a park.
The youngsters were discovered by officers who were conducting regular duties in the green space.
A spokesperson for the force acknowledged that adolescence often involves experimentation but maintained that certain boundaries must exist.
The official noted that combining late-night outings to parks with alcohol consumption and drug use creates significant concerns.
While authorities expressed reluctance to pursue criminal proceedings against minors, they voiced worry about young people beginning patterns that might result in more serious difficulties later in life.
The force’s statement urged parents to consider several key questions regarding their children’s whereabouts, awareness of cannabis use, understanding of alcohol-related dangers, and knowledge of their sons and daughters’ social connections.
An appeal was made for collaborative action between families and authorities to ensure young people remain safe and continue making constructive decisions.