11:55am Friday 19th March 2010
A SUMMER-long crackdown on underage drinking is to get underway next week.
Police in Consett say they will take illicit booze out of the hands of young drinkers as part of a long-running initiative aimed at curbing alcohol-related problems.
Operation Livorno is launched on Monday and runs until the end of October, aimed at dealing with the anticipated rise in drink-related complaints over the summer months.
Officers will stop and search any under-18s suspected of being in possession of alcohol, and seize any drink they find.
The licensed premises which sold the drink will be visited and, if appropriate, CCTV footage seized.
Any young people thought to be at risk will be taken to a place of safety, preferably their home address but possibly the nearest police station if no responsible adult is available, while extra police patrols will be put in place.
Police Community Support Officer, Anthony Joyce said: "Underage drinking inevitably leads to anti-social behaviour, which can include people shouting, swearing and generally creating a disturbance.
"We also see seasonal increases in complaints about criminal damage and litter.
"There are also concerns for the health and safety of those consuming the alcohol due to the effects of binge drinking and the age of those involved.
"By putting in place regular high-visibility patrols, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings, we hope to reassure local residents these issues are being addressed and firm action taken."
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