Crackdown on under-age drinkers

POLICE seized 50 litres of alcohol in a two day crackdown targeting underage-drinkers last weekend.

In their ongoing battle to prevent youths committing alcohol-fuelled crime and anti-social behaviour, officers from Sidmouth's Neighbourhood Team have re-launched their annual Operation Piva.

In the run up to Easter - a notorious time for under-age drinkers - police have carried out dedicated patrols in Sidmouth and the surrounding areas, including Sidford, Sidbury, Salcombe Regis and Newton Poppleford.

On Friday, April 3, the neighbourhood team, supported by the Special Constabulary, seized a large quantity of alcohol from people under 18 and two juveniles were found in possession of controlled drugs.

The following evening another crack-down was carried out from 6pm and again, a large quantity of alcohol was confiscated and one person was reprimanded for a drugs offence.

Sergeant Andy Turner, of Sidmouth Police, said: "Far more alcohol was seized than I expected.

"All of us were really disappointed. Year on year a minority of kids still abuse alcohol to the point they are making themselves ill. What is even more concerning is they think it's cool to do it."

Sergeant Turner pointed out two large groups of youths were seen having barbecues in the area on Friday night and there was no hint of disorder or alcohol abuse.

This year police are taking a harder stance on under-age drinkers and as well as confiscating drink, they are considering other methods to combat this problem.

Sergeant Turner added: "Last year we issued eight �80 fixed penalty notices to adults for supplying alcohol to children.

"This year we are also considering giving children fixed penalty notices or entering them into the criminal system where they can receive juvenile punishments and a criminal record."

If you have any information which can help the police target under-age drinkers ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or the police on 08452 777444.