Youngstown police say they'll be stepping up enforcement of the city's curfew for young people under the age of 18 beginning Thursday night.

Mayor Tito Brown and Police Chief Robin Lees say additional patrols will be out conducting sweeps to enforce the 11 p.m. curfew when young people should not be out on the streets.

Chief Lees says parents and guardians will be held accountable.

“The folks that are going to hear about it are the parents because the parents will receive a summons. They'll be brought into court, and the violation will be addressed. The parents will ultimately be held accountable for these violations,” said Lees.

The chief says the curfew sweeps are primarily a prevention effort to keep kids safe.