Police warn Anglesey parents of anti-social youths amid Covid-19 risks

North Wales Police said its officers have dealt with several groups of youths in areas including Holyhead, Gwalchmai and Llangefni in recent weeks.

Incidents included under-age drinking and use of cannabis which has resulted in police attendance and using our powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2014.

Ian Roberts, area support sergeant, said the gatherings also risk breaching national restrictions in place to stop the spread of coronavirus.

“With local restrictions introduced in four north Wales counties last week, Anglesey remains in a fortunate position whereby the area is not under tighter ‘lockdown’ rules," he said.

"However we must not be complacent as we are not immune from consideration of further restrictions.

“Unfortunately we have had occasions where large amounts of youths have been congregating in contravention of the rules from Welsh Government. Due to underage drinking being reported to us by these groups, this has escalated to anti-social behaviour which has resulted in police attendance.

“Clearly this is unfair on all other residents who are following the rules and changing their lifestyles accordingly. The question is, do parents and guardians really know where their child is in the evenings?"

Mr Roberts added that as lockdown restrictions have been eased, the force's "stretched resources" are being put under greater pressure.

“The demand on North Wales Police has returned to pre-Covid level," he said. "As a result, it is essential that people comply with the restrictions to reduce the number of breaches which officers have to respond to.

"We need people to recognise that wilfully flouting the guidance places unnecessary strain on already stretched resources, and ultimately endangers those people who may need the emergency services in their hour of need.

“If people do not follow the rules, stricter regulations and a local lockdown will become inevitable sooner rather than later."