POLICE officers are warning adults not to buy alcohol for children as part of a crackdown on underage drinking in Bishop Auckland.

The latest Operation Aries initiative saw the team attend Sainsbury’s in St Helen Auckland, where a warning stating “Buying alcohol for an u18? It’s an offence” was spray painted at the entrance. An advertiser board is also displayed outside with the same message.

Sergeant Mick Urwin, from Durham Police’s harm reduction unit, said: “Eighty per cent of the alcohol taken off underage drinkers is found to have come from adults. Rarely do we come across shops that are selling to under 18s. Adults who provide alcohol to young people need to consider what the effect that alcohol can have.”

He continued: “We aren’t talking about an odd glass of wine with the Sunday dinner at home. We are seeing young people drinking in vulnerable areas, out of the way, not particularly bothering anyone but consuming large amounts of alcohol supplied by adult friends or family.

“The vast majority of retailers who sell alcohol in Bishop Auckland are responsible and do not sell to under 18s – where we receive information to the contrary we, alongside Trading Standards will take action and where underage sales are concerned we invariably look to have their licences revoked.

“We are grateful to the support shown to the project by Sainsbury’s and other retailers in the town.”

Punishments include a £90 penalty notice or a summons to court, where the fine is unlimited and they will receive a criminal record.

To anonymously report shops or individuals supplying alcohol to underage drinkers, contact Crimestoppers on 0345-555-888.