15/07/08

CURBING KNIFE CRIME

John is calling for parents to be fined if their children cause trouble on the streets after dark.  In a statement today he said:

"If parents were made to pay for failing to control their children they might think twice about leeting them out late at night.  I believe it's all about educating parents and making sure they are doing their job properly".

John described calls for a national youth curfew to curb knife crime and violent behaviour as 'unworkable'.  He said:  "How would you enforce a curfew?  Some 14 year olds on the streets of Bournemouth at night look more like they are 20.  10-12 year olds should be taken home by the police, then it is a matter for the parents to sort out.  Curfews only punish the innocent as well as the guilty".