While many youth are out enjoying their summer vacation, a small number of youth are out causing trouble. Issues across the county have been brought to the attention of the Huron OPP including mischief such as spray painting, trespassing, Liquor Licence Act violations, thefts from vehicles and others.
It is because of this behaviour that the OPP is reminding youth, communities and most especially PARENTS of the Provincial Curfew. Criminal behaviour by unsupervised teens that have parents who are blissfully unaware of their location or actions will not be tolerated.
In an effort to curb this type of criminal behaviour, Huron OPP is warning teens and parents alike that we are authorized to enforce the Provincial Curfew stated in the Child and Family Services Act.
The Act states that:
: between the hours of midnight and 6:00am,
: if a child apparently or actually under 16 years of age
: is in a public place
: without a person over 18 years (authorized by parents)
: Police may apprehend that child without warrant
as a “Child in Need of Protectionâ€
When a child is apprehended, the parents will be contacted and be required to pick up the child.
If it is alleged that they (age 12 to 17 years) have committed a criminal offence, they will be subject to criminal charges and subsequent consequences under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Parents: It is your responsibility to know where your children are at all times. If they report that they are staying with a friend, be sure that this is communicated between parents so that you know that to be the case. Your children are your responsibility.