Young people are continuing to congregate and drink alcohol in areas of north Belfast.
Police say several youths had to be taken home to their parents for their own safety and well-being.
And they believe that some of these young people have travelled from areas outside the greater Belfast area, having arranged to meet up via social media forums such as What’s App.
This weekend, over 200 young people gathered at Woodvale Park, The Waterworks and surrounding residential areas. Now police are appealing to parents and community workers to discuss with young people the impact that their behaviour is having on residents.
“This weekend Castle Neighbourhood Officers attached to Tennent Street responded to calls from within the local community regarding anti-social behaviour including the conduct and behaviour of young people congregated in large numbers.
“This type of conduct and risk-taking behaviour is having a detrimental impact on the quality of life being experienced by local residents especially at weekends,” said a police spokesperson.
And police are asking parents to be wary of where their children are at all times.
“As local community police, we would again appeal to parents in particular to take time out to discuss these issues with their children and to take an active interest in their whereabouts, in particular during the evenings to minimise the potential for their children becoming involved in situations where they may well be susceptible to risk and harm,” added the spokesperson.
“We would also appeal to youth and community workers from within the local community to discuss these issues with young people and to highlight the detrimental impact their actions are having on the quality of life for local residents and indeed may have for the young people themselves.”
Police say they want to reassure local communities that they will continue to provide an appropriate response to calls in respect of anti-social behaviour.
“Our strategy as always will be directed towards keeping communities safe,” added the spokesperson.