Last week I accompanied my 10 year old grandson to the Arataki skatepark so he could enjoy his favourite sport- scootering.
We had previously been there and the venue, though crowded, was generally a friendly one, with kids swapping scooters and helping out with new moves.
This time I needed to call the police. A group of youngsters 12-14 years old, decided to make my grandson a target for their bully tactics. He was intimidated, sworn at, his scooter wrenched from him, he was threatened with a punch in the teeth. I was After I addressed the issue with the group, they came and spat on my vehicle, then sat on the bonnet and slid themselves over it. My grandson and others like him deserve to feel safe in a public place , and I appreciate the police input. Maybe a warning to those responsible and perhaps the idea of banning offenders from the skateparks could be an option, such as is the case with malls. I am sure there are other concerned adults out there. Let's make a stand.

Glenys Lord, Tauranga.