Officers display confiscated alcohol

POLICE in the Hambleton area of the Yorkshire Dales have continued their crackdown on anti-social behaviour over the past week and have seized over 200 alcoholic drinks from underage drinkers.

Officers from Northallerton Safer Neighbourhoods Team carried out 21 hours of targeted patrols over seven evenings around Northallerton play-parks and other anti-social behaviour hot-spots.

Officers have seized 54 bottles and 113 cans of beer and lager, 21 bottles of cider, seven bottles of wine, three bottles of spirits and 8 assorted alcopops.

Sergeant Simon Wilson who co-ordinated the patrols, said: “It is shocking that these children can lay their hands on such a large amount of alcohol. We would appeal to parents, older siblings and friends of these youngsters not to purchase drinks for them. We would also urge licensees and retailers to refuse alcohol to any young person they suspect to be underage. Ask for proof of identity and double check the picture on any identity card.

“Alcohol is a major contributing factor to nuisance and anti-social behaviour, ruining the quality of life for many people, causing upset and anxiety amongst the community.

“I ask the parents of these youngsters to take responsibility for their children and know where they are at all times, and ensure they are not out on the streets, getting drunk and causing distress to other residents. Not only for the sake of the community but for their child’s health and safety as well.

The firm police action against alcohol-fuelled anti-social behaviour in Northallerton follows on from similar problems reported in Thirsk on Thursday evening (3 April 08).

Three teenage males from Thirsk were arrested and dispersal orders were issued after disorder broke out among a group of teenagers in the Market Place.