Police stop 70 under-age drinkers
POLICE stopped more than 70 young people in Crook and Willington last weekend during an operation targeting under age drinkers.
On Friday night, October 9, officers from Crook and Weardale neighbourhood policing teams joined staff from social services and the Durham Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) in a joint crackdown on under-age drinkers.
Neighbourhood Inspector Tony Avery said: “Young people put themselves at risk by being out at night under the influence of alcohol. We need to educate them and their parents about both the immediate and long-term dangers to health that alcohol can cause.”
Insp Avery said the aim of the Stay Safe operation was to take people who were in need of immediate care as a result of their alcohol consumption into police protection so their circumstances could be assessed with social services.
A DAAT worker was also present to provide child and parents voluntary access to alcohol intervention services.
He said: ”If parents allow their children to drink on the streets they could face a child protection investigation and charges of neglect.”
During vehicle patrols of the area, 74 young people were stopped and spoken to. Ten have been referred to DAAT, two were taken home and a boy was taken into police care until he could be released into the care of an appropriate adult. Alcohol was also seized and will be disposed of.
In line with the partnership approach to tackling youth issues, all of those stopped will receive a letter from Durham County Council. Additionally the parents of those referred to DAAT will be contacted regarding intervention work to help their child overcome any drink-related problems.
Insp Avery said: “I would urge any parent whose child is referred to DAAT to take up the offer of help as the organisation seeks to inform and educate young people about the potential health risks of drinking.”
Further patrols are planned in the area and the inspector urged parents to make sure they know where their children are and what they are doing to ensure their safety.
He said residents should remember certain areas within Crook and Willington are subject to a designated public places order (DPPO) preventing anyone drinking in a public place. Those areas are clearly indicated by signs and the police will seize drink from anyone breaching an order.
Anyone experiencing problems in their area caused by youths drinking should report it to police via the non-emergency number 0345 6060 365.