Police and council officers took 18 children, many of them found drinking alcohol and involved in anti social behaviour, to a safe place on Friday and Saturday night as part of Operation Stay Safe in the Bank Top area of Blackburn.
Their parents were asked to collect them, reminded about their responsibilities and given information about support services.
Police and Council staff say they spoke to up to 350 children and young people in the area - most behaving sensibly and simply making their way home - but they are concerned that a number of vulnerable children were found.
Blackburn police inspector Insp Muz Patala who ran the weekend operation said: “This is the second time we have run this operation in Blackburn and I am concerned that some parents do not know where their children are, who they are with or what they are doing.
“Some of the 18 children we found were a long distance away from their home and the majority of them were involved in anti social behaviour. Some were on the brink of committing crime and were clearly putting themselves at risk of harm.”
Councillor Chris Thayne, executive member for children's services, said: "I'm delighted to say that the vast majority of young people were simply on their way out or going home and behaving sensibly, so that is a positive outcome.
“We are now doing follow up work with the 18 young people we identified as vulnerable and their families to make sure they receive any extra support or services that they need.
"It's important that parents understand what they need to do keep children safe, but the safety and welfare of young people is everyone's responsibility and I would urge people to support all agencies in our work to protect children from the risks they face when they are out at night."
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