Operation tackles ‘alcohol harm’

Aimed at tackling alcohol harm, officers involved in the weekend operation conducted anti-social behaviour and underage drinking patrols at locations throughout the district and implemented licensing and security checks at local pubs and clubs.

During the two night operation, the alcohol seized was being consumed either illegally or by minors. One person was arrested and a further eight young people were referred to the local Youth Diversion Officer. Licensing checks were also carried out at 20 local bars.

Area Commander Chief Inspector Stephen Reid said: “Research has indicated that across the UK nearly 50 percent of all violent crime is alcohol related. In order to help create safer communities we need to raise awareness of the harm that excessive alcohol consumption can have not only on the individual but also on society.”

As part of the UK-wide Alcohol Harm initiative, local officers actively patrolled hotspot areas for underage or on street drinking and anti-social behaviour.

Officers also sought to reduce the number of incidents of criminal behaviour resulting from excessive drinking by enforcing all of the relevant legislation linked to the sale of alcohol.

“Local police are dedicated to tackling issues linked to excessive drinking and alcohol fuelled crime but we also need individuals to work with us by drinking responsibly and behaving sensibly,” C/I Reid added.