Crackdown on drinkers
By Jo Deeks on Thursday, 3rd August 2000.
POLICE in West Suffolk are getting tough with under-age drinkers as they launch “Operation Hooch.”
Officers will be using their powers to confiscate and pour away alcohol that is found in the possession of people under 18 in a public place.
Names and addresses will be taken taken from those stopped, with an information leaflet and booklet sent to their parent or guardian. The local Youth Offending Team will also be informed.
Police are liaising with managers of licensed premises to ensure they reinforce the message to staff not to sell alcohol to under-18s.
Dave Dyble, crime reduction officer for Haverhill, said: “The scheme is designed to not only address the problem of under-age drinking, but to also help reduce the crimes associated with alcohol abuse, such as vandalism and anti-social behaviour.”
Inspector Mike Bacon, Haverhill’s sector commander, said mostly 14, 15 and 16-year-olds were involved. He added there had been problems around the New Cangle School in Haverhill, so this area would be particularly targeted.
lnsp Bacon said: “Basically there is a small minority of people who are consuming alcohol under age and the knock-on effect is that they can carry on to commit offences or behaviour annoying to local residents.”
A similar crackdown in St ives netted two sacks full of alcoholic drinks.
Police targeted youngsters attending an under-18s disco at the Burgess Hall and stopped 43 youngsters.
Officers will be using their powers to confiscate and pour away alcohol that is found in the possession of people under 18 in a public place.
Names and addresses will be taken taken from those stopped, with an information leaflet and booklet sent to their parent or guardian. The local Youth Offending Team will also be informed.
Police are liaising with managers of licensed premises to ensure they reinforce the message to staff not to sell alcohol to under-18s.
Dave Dyble, crime reduction officer for Haverhill, said: “The scheme is designed to not only address the problem of under-age drinking, but to also help reduce the crimes associated with alcohol abuse, such as vandalism and anti-social behaviour.”
Inspector Mike Bacon, Haverhill’s sector commander, said mostly 14, 15 and 16-year-olds were involved. He added there had been problems around the New Cangle School in Haverhill, so this area would be particularly targeted.
lnsp Bacon said: “Basically there is a small minority of people who are consuming alcohol under age and the knock-on effect is that they can carry on to commit offences or behaviour annoying to local residents.”
A similar crackdown in St ives netted two sacks full of alcoholic drinks.
Police targeted youngsters attending an under-18s disco at the Burgess Hall and stopped 43 youngsters.
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