And, may one ask, what action did the police take? How many louts were prosecuted? What fines were imposed? Nothing, zero, nada! Asking parents to look after 15 and 16 year old hooligans does not produce any results, as these parents are either unable or unwilling to control the loutish behavior of their offspring. The only answer is zero tolerance from the police and the courts.

Or perhaps we can trust that the police know what they are doing. Kids like this are dealt with under the Young Offenders Act. The police don't turn a blind eye. They do what they can under the law and don't clog up the court system with misdemeanors. A caution under the Young Offenders Act can be a scary thing when you're 15 or 16 and the alcohol wears off. And then it's up to the parents to make sure they're kids stay on the straight and narrow. We can't always expect our boys (and girls) in blue to act as our parents too. Be thankful Camden only has to put up with loutish teenagers because the cops are keeping all other crime in check.

My comments were not directed against the boys and girls in blue who, in my opinion, are doing a terrific job considering how hampered they are by the existing laws. It is the existing laws that are at the root of the problem. Look at the graffiti vandals or the louts that are destroying the property of hard working Australians in Mount Annan or the yobos that vandalize and destroy. The law should take a firm stand on such behavior. If we expect parents that don't know or don't care where their children are at night to keep them in check, then the situation will deteriorate rather than improve. And if we think that a slap on the wrist or cautions under the Young Offenders Act will deter most of these louts from re-offending then we live in a dreamland.

I think this story shows that even Camden and the people who live here are affected by adolescent binge drinking. Australia generally celebrates with alcohol and these teenagers have grown up seeing this. I drove through the town at about 9.30 pm that night and was quite amazed at how many young people were standing near Subway and the Showground. Why weren't they home? It was a school night. I keep talking to my 10 and 14 year old children - trying to keep the communication open - about drinking and other issues. It really is up to us parents to make an effort and take an interest and be role models. You do not have to get pissed to have a good night. (And no, I am not against alcohol and I enjoy a drink myself - but I do not want to see my kids drunk in the street or at a party - kids learn from what they see.) Parents need to be taking a more active role and interest in their chldren's lives.