30/10/2026
🚓 Darlington Police urge parents and guardians to take responsibility for steering their children away from anti-social and dangerous behaviour. 🚓
Today, on the very first day of the school holidays, officers responded to a 999 incident in Darlington town centre involving a large group of children.
The group gained access to the roofs of buildings along High Row, shouted abuse at members of the public and threw stones and other items from height. This behaviour was not only reckless and intimidating, it was extremely dangerous and could have resulted in a serious injury.
Let us be absolutely clear, throwing objects from rooftops places members of the public at significant risk and puts the children involved in danger themselves.
The police received a similar report yesterday where young people were throwing stones down at people on High Row.
Such behaviour is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
We will continue to identify those responsible and take appropriate action against anyone involved.
Parents and guardians are reminded that they are responsible for knowing where their children are and what they are doing.
School holidays are not an excuse for criminal, anti-social or dangerous behaviour. Darlington offers a wide range of positive opportunities for young people, including parks, youth groups, leisure facilities, sporting activities, and the cinema.
We are urging parents and guardians to speak to their children about their behaviour when out in public with friends.
Unfortunately this is too late for some parents who will be getting a knock at their doors about the children involved in todays incident - we know who you are and will be paying you a visit. 🚨
