CHILDREN across Lowestoft have today been urged by police to have a safe and happy Easter.As thousands of children across Suffolk break up for their school holidays today (Friday, April 3) police are asking parents, carers and guardians to help their children stay safe this Easter.

CHILDREN across Lowestoft have today been urged by police to have a safe and happy Easter.

As thousands of children across Suffolk break up for their school holidays today (Friday, April 3) police are asking parents, carers and guardians to help their children stay safe this Easter.

Officers are urging them to ask themselves: Do you know where your children are? Who are they with? What are they doing? and When are they coming home?

Historically, the number of calls received by police during the Easter break increases particularly on Saturdays and Sundays. Crime rates also increase by an average of 12 crimes per day and there is a rise in the number of anti-social behaviour incidents reported, with an extra 12 incidents reported per day throughout Easter.

'Any parent will tell you how hard it can be to keep your children entertained during the holidays,' Paul Sharp, the Chief Inspector for Community Safety, said. They do like to go off with their friends and enjoy themselves.

'We don't want to stop young people having fun, but we would ask them to consider others and also their own safety when they are out and about during the holidays.

'As a parent, carer or guardian you can play a key role by asking your children what they are doing when they go out as well as explain to them what the rest of the community finds acceptable in terms of their conduct. Just remember, you are still responsible for your children's safety and their actions.'

Some basic safety tips for young people and children:

Let someone know where you are going and tell them if your plans change.

If you need help, approach a family group rather than a single adult.

Meet friends in a public place so you won't be waiting on your own.

Plan how you're going to get home.

Look out for each other, stay with your friends. Don't let anyone wander off.

Walk away from groups that might provoke you.

Don't lose your cool; think about keeping yourself out of trouble.

Messing about with your friends can get out of control.

Enjoy yourselves but think about how your actions affect others.