Alcohol seized as part of crackdown in underage drinking in Hillsborough

Neighbourhood Police Officers carried out a number of pro-active operations in the village during weekends and have forwarded the names of 20 youths to the PSNI Youth Diversion Scheme.

On Saturday night alone they spoke to eight youths, all aged between 14 and 16, at the monument on the Old Coach Road.

The operation was carried out following complaints from residents about anti-social behaviour and underage drinking at the site, mostly at weekends.

Police who patrolled the area said that many of the youths who had been questioned were from the Dromore and Lisburn areas and described the seizures of alcohol and underage drinking as 'quite unusual' during a short period and for that area.

Constable Gavin Young said underage drinking at the monument had become a concern to many residents becasue of problems of an anti social nature and road safety issues. "Over a period of four weeks Neighbourhood Police Officers of Hillsborough PSNI carried out a number of proactive anti-social behaviour operations in the Hillsborough village area," he said.

"The operations were carried out as a result of working in partnership with Hillsborough Community Police Liaison Committee who had raised the concerns of local residents. As a result police seized a substantial quantity of assorted alcohol ranging from Alco-Pops to strong spirits.

"Approximately 20 youths have been detected and will be dealt with through the PSNI Youth Diversion Scheme. Similar operations will be carried out over the coming weeks."

He said that follow up letters and calls will be made to the parents of the 20 youths and warned that further action will be taken against any repeat offenders.

"We obviously cannot tell parents how to parent their child - it's up to them - but we make it known that their child's name is on our records and that repeat offences will lead to further action," he said.