12-year-old caught for underage drinking

THE youngest person to be caught for underage drinking in Ballymoney was just 12-years-old, according recent police figures.

Speaking at a recent District Policing Partnership meeting, the area commander confirmed that a staggering 61 youths were caught for underage drinking in the past nine months - 57 more than last year.

Area Commander John Magill said: "From April to December 2008 there were four reported incidents. This compares to 61 from April to December 2009 - an increase of 57, which means we are on target.

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"Neighbourhood and Response officer have been tasked to deal proactively with underage drinking."

Following a recent Ballymoney Youth Council survey a member of the public asked the police chief: "Underage drinking is a concern in the Ballymoney borough. How many detections have your officers made for this type of offence in the last year and how were they dealt with?

"Also what os your future strategy for dealing with underage drinking in the Ballymoney area and specifically in the outlying villages were it is perceived that the police do not patrol as much as in Ballymoney town itself?"

In response the Area Commander explained: "I have spoken to the Youth Development Officer and Sgt Moore over detections so far and they have put together a report.

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"According to Elaine Brown there were 71 juveniles caught drinking, 20 female and 51 males. Six of these cases were sent to the Police Prosecution Service for consuming intoxicated liquor whilst being a minor. Two received an informed warning which means a 12 month police record, two received cautions resulting in a 30 month police record, one was prosecuted and another wasn't.

"The youngest person to be arrested for underage drinking in Ballymoney was just 12-years-old."

Addressing the second question, the police chief highlighted a number of initiatives being run in the outlying villages to prevent and educate local youths.

He added: "We take youths on trips to Magilligan prison under the 'Prison Me No Way' scheme, we holding weekly lessons in local schools, we hold workshops with Cheers Youth Centre on anti social behaviour and underage drinking and we hold the Glebeside Awareness Project.

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"We also patrol hotspots including the local parks, schools and vacant premises, do off licence checks and even test stores with mystery shoppers."

"Since January police have also been given new powers where we can seize drink from an underage person even though they haven't consumed any. Parents also have to play their part in prevention as well."

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