BUDE Police have asked the town’s residents if they knew where their children were over the weekend, following a spate of incidents.

Officers were called to a series of four to five cars, which had their wing mirrors damaged, along Breakwater Road.

Bude Police said it is thought the damage was caused by a young person between 13 and 18-years-old.

Bude Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “Whilst looking for the offender we came across a 25 local young people aged 13 to 17 some had been out at the breakwater and were now in the grounds of the Castle. Most of them were good natured and happy to talk to us as we tried to explain what had happened.

“Others were under the influence of alcohol, under age and behaving in an anti social manner towards property and the police. Some had urinated against town buildings leaving their discarded empty cans and bottles for someone else to clear up.”

Bude Police said one 16-year-old in the group was issued with a Direction to Exclude notice due to his behaviour. They said this notice prohibits his return to the area for 48 hours — if he does he is liable to arrest. Due to his age and behaviour he was taken back to his parents.

They added: “Officers spoke with the remaining group and explained that we as the police are not there to spoil their fun however we have a duty to protect property, safeguard the community which includes them. Young people under the influence of alcohol out in town at night around the many waters of Bude Town raise considerable concerns for many reasons.

“This is not an attack on the young people of Bude as there are a considerable number who positively contribute to their community however there are a few whose behaviour spoils it for others.

“Do you know where your child is and what risks they are exposed to? Over forthcoming weeks officers will be patrolling these areas in an attempt to engage with the young people of Bude.

“Anti social behaviour will not be tolerated and as parents of Bude’s young people we ask you to support us by asking yourselves these questions: 1 — Where are my children? 2 — Who are they with? 3 — What are they doing? If you can honestly answer these questions all well and good, if you cannot we ask you to be a little more thoughtful.”

Anyone with information regarding the incidents, is asked to contact the police on 101.