Police in Swanage are taking action againstunderage drinking in the run up to Christmas. 

 

Officers in Swanage are carrying out increased foot patrolsin the town centre and surrounding areas to prevent people under the age of 18from drinking alcohol and causing anti-social behaviour. 

 

Sergeant Jon McCarthy, Purbeck Deputy NeighbourhoodInspector, said: “We have had a number of complaints from members of thepublic recently about children as young as 13 drinking alcohol in Swanage.

 

“Not only is underage drinking illegal, it can have adevastating effect on the body at such a young age and can also cause childrento behave in an anti-social manner where they could put themselves and othersat risk.

 

“I am encouraging parents to be vigilant with theirchildren and to ensure that they know where their children are going when theygo out.

 

“Parents should also make sure alcohol from their homecannot be taken by their children.

 

“We will act on information provided to us by thepublic, and we will increase patrols in areas where we receive reports ofchildren drinking alcohol. We will seize alcohol from anyone under the age of18.

 

“If children are caught drinking alcohol, theirparents and Social Services will be informed. If a child is caught drinkingalcohol again, we will visit the individual and their parents at home and anyfurther incidents could result in that child receiving an Anti-Social BehaviourOrder or an Anti-social Behaviour Contract.”

 

Purbeck Safer Neighbourhood Team will continue to work withpartner agencies, including youth centres and Purbeck District Council, totackle underage drinking.