Sunshine Coast Police have issued a stern warning to parents and guardians of youths continuing to attend large gatherings at local beaches that antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated.
Last Friday 14 August at approximately 8.30pm, police were called to Oceanic Drive in Buddina following multiple noise complaints.
A large group of youths who had gathered in the area were subsequently directed to move on.
Police have also been called to other similar incidents in that area where multiple juveniles have been arrested and charged with offences including public nuisance and obstructing police.
Officer in Charge of Sunshine Coast Child Protection and Investigation Unit, Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Simon Van Der Maat, urged parents to have conversations with their kids about the consequences of risk-taking behaviour.
“Speak directly with them about the repercussions of being involved in fights, property damage, threatening or intimidating members of the public, possessing weapons and dangerous items and consuming alcohol where unlawful,” he said.
“”Everyone else was doing it” is not a defence to criminal behaviour. Know where your children are, know who they are with and make sure they understand that their actions have consequences.””
Police are continuing to proactively monitor locations where these gatherings occur and deploying additional resources where necessary to maintain public safety, including the Mounted Unit and POLAIR.
“The Sunshine Coast is a community for everyone. Residents and visitors should be able to enjoy local beaches without being subjected to violence, intimidation, vandalism or disorder,” Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Van Der Maat said.
“Our message to teenagers attending these events is clear: this type of behaviour will not be tolerated.”
“Being part of a large group does not remove individual responsibility, and those involved in criminal or anti-social behaviour can expect police to take appropriate enforcement action.”
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
