As Alice Cooper sings, “School’s Out For The Summer.” Unfortunately, this also means a lot of bored kids who are at home all day while the parents work, and out at night wandering about with no purpose.
Do not underestimate juveniles, as they are just as likely to commit burglaries, thefts and vandalism (steal sprinkler heads, slash tires, remove lawn furniture, etc.) as any ill-intentioned adult. Parents or legal guardians have the responsibility to make sure their children aren’t violating the city’s curfew restrictions—but anyone can report suspicious activity.
Here is a quick reminder about the city of Phoenix curfew restrictions:
• Youth younger than 16 cannot be outside away from their residential property between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. the following morning, as well as youth ages 16 to 17 during the hours of midnight to 5 a.m., unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
• An exception is if the juvenile is a legally emancipated minor or on reasonable, legitimate and specific business with the permission of a parent or guardian, such as going to work.
• Any juvenile who violates this city law is guilty of a misdemeanor, as is the parent or legal guardian who knowingly allows the youth to violate curfew.
If you see juveniles out and about past curfew, and something doesn’t seem right such as loitering in or near a business that is closed for the night or skateboarding on private property, call the Phoenix Police Department’s Crime Stop line at 602-262-6151.