A “HARDCORE" of young people are repeatedly taking part in anti-social behaviour and breaching coronavirus rules in parts of Conwy, police said.

North Wales Police’s West Conwy team said its officers will be patrolling known hotspots for anti-social behaviour as part of a plan to take a “robust stance” on the issue over the coming weeks.

A joint youth outreach initiative was launched by Conwy County Borough Council and police last year in which youth workers visited anti-social behaviour hotspots to offer advice and support to young people there.

Police said that despite the outreach programme the offending has continued.

“ASB may appear to some to be a minor issue, however it can have a major effect on the quality of life of the local community,” a West Conwy police spokesperson said.

“Since October, despite the restrictions of the pandemic, local officers have continued to work with Conwy County Borough Council Youth Service to engage with young people and encourage them to consider their behaviour and, as far as restrictions have allowed, to start work on new opportunities that will give young people new skills, offer potential employment opportunities and keep them out of trouble.

“Unfortunately, there remains a hardcore of young people who consistently misbehave; this goes, on many occasions beyond childhood antics and causes loss, damage and distress to many other people in the area.

“The current climate is hard enough for everyone, without the added nuisance caused by ASB and criminal behaviour. For this reason, we will be taking a robust stance on ASB across the district.”

The statement, posted on the West Conwy NWP Facebook page, added that parents and guardians will be held responsible should any action be taken against young people making repeated coronavirus breaches.

“Parents and guardians are reminded that they are responsible for ensuring that their children follow the coronavirus regulations; we will take action against the parents of juveniles who repeatedly breach regulations,” it said.

“In addition, we will be working closely with the Conwy Youth Justice Services to deal with juveniles who commit crime and cause ASB. Where required, we will hold parents to account.

“These are tough times for us all, especially the younger generation who rely so heavily on social interaction – we look forward to being able to engage positively with the young people across our district again and to restart work on our projects, as soon as restrictions allow.

“For now please persevere, stay at home and if you are out for exercise or an essential journey, be considerate to others."