Editorial: Families crucial to deter teens

"First we had Napier Library staff intimidated by teenagers - now we have a shopkeeper living in fear because of another group of teenagers." Photo / Duncan Brown

FIRST we had security guards at Napier Library because staff felt intimidated by teenagers - now we have a shopkeeper living in fear because of another group of teenagers.

Again I say where are the parents?

If they aren't around for whatever reasons, then extended family and friends need to step in and stop these ratbags.

It's not up to the Government. John Key is not going to come to Hawke's Bay to tell them off.
That's the job of the families.

If there really is no one around to control these teenagers and they are going around terrorising and intimidating people then they need to be dealt with by the police.

These kids have absolutely no respect for anyone.

They know there will be no consequences for their actions.

They just don't give a damn.

The youths intimidating the shopkeeper, just like those youths from the library, had been trespassed from the store after several incidents, including swearing, threatening to steal and cause damage.

Again, just like the youths from the library, it meant absolutely nothing.

To them it's just a piece of paper, most likely tossed in the bin the second it was handed to them.

Imagine working in a place where you were terrified of who was going to come in the door every day.

No one has the right to make a person feel like that.

If these teenagers are too immature to act in a civil manner, they need to de dealt with before they hurt someone.