OFFICERS on patrol in Bournemouth have asked parents to not jokingly threaten their children with being taken away by police ‘if they’re naughty’.

In a social media post, police officers said they had the “small favour to ask” parents following foot patrols around the Christmas Market in Bournemouth town centre over the weekend.

Members of the force said the festive market was an opportunity for young children to meet them and understand their role, feeling the parental threat tactic could harm this.

A Bournemouth Police spokesperson said: “We are here for you and to make this event as safe as possible. Do stop us for a chat (or picture) if we can help with anything.

“We have a small favour to ask – quite a few parents have been joking with their under 10s [saying] ‘look the police, they will take you away if you’re naughty’.

“We politely ask that you don't joke in this way with young children.

“The Christmas Market is an invaluable opportunity for children to interact with uniformed police officers and increase their understanding that we are here to help them, if they get lost or need us for anything else. Thank you.”

Residents generally reacted positively to the post. One woman said: “Too true. Children should never be told to be afraid of the police.”

Another added: “[I have] always told my daughter the police are here to keep us safe. If people do wrong, then they take them away to keep us safe. Keep up the good work.”