The absence of youths during police community awareness events is concerning, says divisional police commander North Senior Superintendent of Police Kemueli Baledrokadroka.

He said they had noticed that those between the ages of 18 and 40 were always absent from such events.

“This is concerning because these are age groups who usually got into trouble with the law,” SSP Baledrokadroka said.

“We have noticed this issue for many years wherever we go out for community awareness.

“We continue to see it today and it’s important that they also attend the awareness programs because they are also more in numbers.

“So the ones that attend the meetings are the older ones, above 50 and the very young ones in primary and secondary schools.”

SSP Baledrokadroka said awareness programs were continuing and was pleading with parents and village leaders to speak to their children.

“If they do not attend the awareness programs then we will depend on their parents and village leaders to spread the messages to them.”