A PROJECT that aims to reduce drink-fuelled crime and antisocial behaviour among youngsters is now up and running in Ripon.
Ripon Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) was launched on Wednesday and hopes to mirror similar initiatives that have reduced drunken antisocial behaviour by 42 per cent.
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North Yorkshire Police officers will use a mix of tactics in Ripon, including test purchases to prevent sales of alcohol to children.
They will also do intervention work to prevent under-18s drinking and education work to help young people understand the risks.
The work will be delivered through a Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP), which will see police working with retailers, schools, neighbourhood groups, Trading Standards, local authorities and other services.
PCSO Helenor Gwatkin who is leading the launch for North Yorkshire Police, said: “Today is another step forward in reducing underage drinking and tackling the problems it causes in Ripon.
“This partnership complements the other police tactics we use, like our regular targeted patrols, so it’s a great way to make this safe city even safer for everyone who lives here, works here or visits.”
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North Yorkshire’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Zoë Metcalfe said: “I am really pleased to be working with the Community Alcohol Partnership to help reduce some of the effect that alcohol has on our communities and the harm it can cause our young people.
“Keeping our young people safe is paramount and this proactive approach to educate on substance misuse, provide alcohol-free activities and avoid underage sales demonstrates how local organisations are uniting to offer support.
“I want to thank the many organisations involved in this project for their time and enthusiasm and I am looking forward to hearing how this project develops.”
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