FIFTEEN people have been fined since the launch of a crackdown on adults buying alcohol for under-age youngsters.

Durham Police launched Operation Aries in the simmer and have handed out the penalties to people including grandparents.

The multi-agency campaign in County Durham was launched to reduce the harm alcohol causes to under-age drinkers and curb drink-related anti-social behaviour.

Sgt Mick Urwin, Operation Aries project manager, said: “We know that the vast majority of alcohol taken from under-age drinkers comes from adults and this needs addressing, as young people who drink alcohol not only risk potential health problems, but also their safety by making themselves more vulnerable.

“Under-18s are supplied with alcohol by older friends, strangers they approach outside shops, at home by parents and grandparents, or by taking it without permission.

“As a result it isn’t drunk at home under the guardianship of a responsible adult, but outside in parks and other public areas.

“Where this occurs we will take action in order to both prevent a young person coming to harm and protect our communities.

“We know there are links between alcohol and child sexual exploitation and this is something we must all guard against. ‘Free’ alcohol is a hook often used in the grooming process and, though it can never be an excuse, alcohol can be an aggravating factor in sexual assaults. “Our message is clear, even if a victim of abuse has consumed alcohol, they are never to blame, the abuser is.”

Sgt Urwin said parents and carers should talk to their children about the potential dangers of alcohol.

People can contact the Operation Aries team at Aries@durham.pnn.police.uk by calling 101, or calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111..