POLICE are concerned about teenagers pestering people to buy them alcohol.

A increasing number of complaints are being made to the Easington District anti-social behaviour unit about young people trying to get adults to buy drink for them.

The under-18s are pestering adults as they go into off-licences and asking them to buy booze because they know they would be refused by shop staff.

The warning comes after a series of police crackdowns on shops selling drink to people who are too young.

A licensee in Blackhall recently had his right to sell drink withdrawn after magistrates heard how staff at the premises had on three occasion last summer sold beer, cider and spirits to youngsters who were under age.

It is understood that a number of other cases involving the illegal selling of alcohol to underage customers are also in the pipeline.

Police yesterday also reminded members of the public and shopkeepers that if they do supply alcohol to youngsters they would be committing an offence and could face a fine of up to £2,000.

"We are trying to combat the 'carrier bag culture' where, for some young people, it is the norm to obtain drink and then consume it quite openly in public," said Sergeant Dave Young, one of five members of staff in the anti-social behaviour unit.

He said: "There have also been several instances where we have seized alcohol from youngsters which they inform us has been supplied by their parents."

"One of the most common complaints we get is under-age drinking and its associated problems.

"This is an issue we take very seriously and we would appreciate any useful information people can give us," said Sgt Young.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the anti-social behaviour unit with as much detail as they have. The unit staff can be contacted on 0191-586 2621 extension 2559.