AS the Easter holidays approach, parents have been implored to make sure they know where their children are and what they're up to.
North Wales Police has been issuing the call to parents in an effort to prevent anti-social behaviour.
Wrexham Town Sergeant David Smith told the Leader: "Historically, we unfortunately do see an increase in anti-social behaviour from youths during this time.
"I would ask parents to know where their youths are and encourage them to do something productive with their children to keep them occupied.
"I appreciate kids get bored and then they can get frustrated, but then the wider community suffers.
"It can have a detrimental effect and while these youth might just think they're messing around and it's harmless, it does have consequences.
"For that reason I would implore parents and families to really look to get their kids actively involved in groups or clubs."
READ MORE: Counterfeit £50 notes warning for Flintshire and Wrexham
Sgt Smith said in the past, such challenges for his team have included dealing with low level anti-social behaviour to being a nuisance and engaging in criminality.
He added: "We do see kids who don't realise they are committing offences.
"And the last thing we want to see is children getting involved in criminality, but if we do find that they will be dealt with like anyone else - robustly.
"We use a 'yellow card' system, which is a flag to the Youth Justice Service that the individual has been involved in anti-social behaviour.
"The Youth Justice Team will be in touch with that family to see if they can help because sometimes there may be some underlying reason the child is involved in anti-social behaviour.
"We're trying to adopt a preventative approach and look at the causes, rather than going straight to criminalising people."
Speaking of the impact a criminal record can have for you youth, he said: "Unfortunately if they do end up with it on their record, it can jeopardize any future plans they have, and their careers.
"They need to understand that what they do now has an effect on their future."
READ MORE: Wrexham - Police warning over 'extremely pushy' cold caller
Sgt Smith said during the half-term period, officers will be considering places where people congregate in the town centre such as retail parks and public spaces, in order to deter any anti-social behaviour and reassure the public.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here