POLICE have seized alcohol from underage drinkers after targeting youngsters in two County Durham towns on one night.

The Stay Safe operation saw officers from Durham Police carry out patrols in Bishop Auckland and Ferryhill on Friday, August 25. Confiscated booze included wine, cider, vodka and lager from a group of about 50 youngsters in Ferryhill alone.

Acting Inspector, Mick Urwin, from Durham Police, said: “Our main focus is to protect young people who are at risk if they drink alcohol to excess, when they can become victims of crime or suffer injury.

"We know that young people will drink out of the way, for example by a river or in an isolated area, which leaves them vulnerable.

"The environmental impact is then felt by the local community using these areas in the days after, where litter, bottles and damage to grass is left.”The Stay Safe operation runs at regular intervals throughout the year to deal with concerns raised by communities.

Insp Urwin added: “Those over 18 must be aware that if we find that alcohol has been supplied to underage drinkers then we will issue penalty notices of £90 or if it is persistent, they can be taken to court and given an unlimited fine.”

The operation took place under the force’s larger Operation ARIES, which currently focuses on Bishop Auckland and aims to reduce anti-social behaviour and low level crime.

  • Anyone with information about underage drinking should email aries@durham.pnn.police.uk or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.