Officials sent letters to adults' parents

MANCHESTER, England, April 12 (UPI) -- Two adult British skateboarders stopped by police for practicing their hobby illegally said officials sent warning letters addressed to their parents.

Tony Da Silva, 29, a semi-professional skateboarder in Manchester, England, said he was spoken to in February by a police community support officer who took down his name, address and birth date, but the follow-up letter sent by the local council was addressed to his parents and referred to "young people," the Manchester Evening News reported Monday.

"The parent is usually best placed to decide the most appropriate course of action. An early, positive response ensures that most young people spoken to about their behavior do not come to further attention," the letter read.

"I laughed when I read it, but I was also quite annoyed. Someone clearly thinks that everyone who skateboards is a kid, so just sent the letter without thinking. I gave them my date of birth so they knew how old I was," Da Silva said.

Eddie Belvedere, 24, said he received a similar letter as a result of a separate incident.

"I gave my name, address and details. It's obvious I'm over 20," Belvedere said. "There are signs up saying we shouldn't skate and if someone asks me to move on I always do."