Every summer, Mesa’s youth take to the streets looking for something to do. Boredom busters are often found at shopping malls, parks, movie theaters, and other public locations. Youth often walk, ride their bikes, take buses and arrive in automobiles. Often, youth who are unsupervised do not use sound judgement or make good decisions as to their conduct. This misconduct often results in criminal behavior such as underage drinking, graffiti, criminal damage (this includes throwing eggs are homes, vehicles, etc.), trespassing, shoplifting and theft, or even more serious crimes.
The Mesa Police Department would like to offer the following tips to help keep your teen safe and crime free this summer.
- Establish boundaries for your teen about when and where they can go in the neighborhood when you’re not there.
- Curfew -- in Mesa, it is unlawful for a minor under age 16 to be out between the hours of 10 PM and 5 AM, and for a minor between ages 16 and 18 to be out between the hours of Midnight and 5 AM, unless they are returning from a job or legitimate activity (school, church, etc.)
- Arrange to pick up your teen promptly after their event or activity. Waiting allows the teen to get into trouble and loitering is not tolerated at most businesses.
- Graffiti and tagging is a CRIME! Encourage your teens to be creative on paper or canvas, rather than walls, fences, signs, vehicles and buildings.
- If your teen is driving, reinforce safe driving skills and to obey the speed limit.
- If your teen is on a bicycle, they need to obey ALL traffic laws (the same as a vehicle) and have a white light on the front of the bicycle and a red light on the rear of the bicycle after dusk.
- Many injuries and death occur when teens attempt to cross the street between lights. Direct your teen not to jaywalk. If caught jaywalking, they can be issued a citation.
- Encourage your teen to avoid underage drinking. Beer theft from convenience stores is a popular method of obtaining alcohol for parties. This criminal behavior will ultimately be costly in court.
- Shoplifting is usually committed after peer pressure from friends. Discuss with your teen that their choice of friends should not include those who encourage criminal behavior or activity.
