Leavers’ warning

Police have warned Rockingham and Mandurah parents not to supply their children with drugs or alcohol on the eve of Leavers’ Week.

Leavers have also been issued by police a five-point plan to follow—be responsible, avoid becoming a statistic, cringe the binge, be safe and enjoy yourself.

The warning comes as hundreds of Year 12 students are expected to descend on Rottnest Island and Dunsborough next week to celebrate the completion of their final-year exams.

Metropolitan Regional Police Commander Fred Gere said while Leavers’ Week celebrations had become an important part of finishing school, police would be out in force to keep leavers and the community safe.

‘‘The last thing we want to see is an injury or a criminal conviction impact on the future of someone who made a simple mistake during leavers,’’ he said.

‘‘We want to make sure leavers have a fantastic time and one that they will remember for the rest of their lives, but we also have a duty of care and if we find a situation where we need to step in and take action, we will do so swiftly.’’

Cdr Gere said parents could expect to receive a call at anytime of the day or night if their child was caught breaking the law.

Youth Minister Robyn McSweeney said there came a time when parents had to trust their children to act responsibly.

‘‘I think there are a lot of nervous parents out there but there comes a point, if you’ve taught your child right from wrong and if you’ve given them the ability to think and reason for themselves, then there comes a time when you have to trust them,’’ she said.

Ms McSweeney said support services would be available to leavers who needed help at popular destinations, including police, youth workers and community groups.