Police in Teignbridge are asking for parents’ help as they continue to battle anti-social behaviour among young people.

They are concerned that there will be repeats of the unrest seen on Teignmouth Back Beach earlier this month.

In a letter sent to parents ahead of the May half term, the Teignbridge Neighbourhood Policing Team and the Teignbridge Community Safety Partnership said that while the number of large gatherings of youngsters had significantly decreased since last year, they still needed the continued support of parents and guardians to keep young people safe.

‘Gatherings of large groups of youngsters in Teignmouth have been associated with drug and noticeable alcohol use, with a high proportion of those involved being under 18,’ the letter said. Sent via secondary schools across Teignbridge and Torbay, the letter continued: ‘This behaviour can lead to disruption within our local towns and surrounding areas, and we remain concerned for the safety and well-being of these young people.’

Earlier this month, Teignmouth’s back beach was the scene of widespread disorder as large groups of young people headed to enjoy the evening sunshine. Police were called after reports that a young man had been assaulted by four people with weapons.

The Teignbridge Neighbourhood Policing Team and the Teignbridge Community Safety Partnership are urging parents to have open conversations with children about responsible behaviour in public spaces and to be aware of where young people are, particularly on a Friday and Saturday night.

‘We strongly advise against dropping your children off in Teignmouth or supporting their use of public transport to get there on Friday and Saturday evenings, as this can contribute to the large unsupervised gatherings,’ the letter said.

Police were pleased to report ‘a significant reduction in the large gatherings previously seen on Friday and Saturday evenings’ since last year, particularly in areas such as Teignmouth seafront.

There have also been no reports of hospitalisations related to suspected illicit drug use this year, compared to multiple reports last year, which the police believe highlights ‘the positive impact of our collaborative efforts’.

However, Devon and Cornwall Police is planning to increase its presence in the spring and summer months with proactive patrols addressing anti-social behaviour including underage alcohol and drug consumption, vandalism, fighting, excessive noise and other disruptive actions.

Last summer, a new police Neighbourhood Support Team targeted Teignmouth following several incidents of unrest as large groups of youths gathered in the resort.

To continue their proactive approach, the police and the community safety partnership said they believe ‘a strong partnership with parents and guardians remains crucial in addressing this issue’.

Any parent or carer who has concerns about their child’s involvement in mass gatherings or their behaviour should not hesitate to seek help from the police or the school. The ‘Let’s Talk’ programme provided by Safer Devon helps parents and guardians understand more about alcohol, and mental health.

‘Any young person identified as being responsible for anti-social behaviour will be subject to our Anti-Social Behaviour escalation process,’ the letter warned. Sanctions include warning letters and acceptable behaviour contracts implemented in collaboration between the schools and the police. Criminal offences will be dealt with by the police.