Newsday article

Winchester Bobbies are out in force this half term ready to confiscate alcohol from anyone under the age of 18, as part of a national home office campaign.

Hampshire Constabulary will be following a focussed operation, as outlined by the Home Office to target young people in possession of alcohol. The national campaign will focus on police forces proactively targeting local areas where youths gather and cause crime and anti – social behaviour.Research undergone by the Home Office revealed that 44 % of young people were identified as binge drinkers, defined as ‘getting very drunk at least once a month.’ However using the powers contained within the Confiscation of Alcohol (Young Persons) Act 1997 and the ‘Directions to Leave’ power under section 27 of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006, police can now surrender any alcohol in the possession of an underage drinker, and give a dispersal order to break up gangs of young people who are seen to be causing a nuisance on the streets.Inspector Alistair Nichols, Hampshire Constabulary’s Force Alcohol Harm Reduction Lead said: “Drunken teenagers are more likely to cause criminal damage and anti-social behaviour so police officers across Hampshire and Isle of Wight will be confiscating alcohol from under 18s before the situation gets out of hand.” Police are also using this opportunity to gather information regarding the young people’s ability to access alcohol locally and then follow up with inquiries into the  identified licensed premises or through parents.  It is an offence for adults to buy alcohol for under 18s, they could receive an £80 fixed penalty notice or end up in court and fined up to £5,000. The Home Office campaign is running nationally from 8 to 27 February 2008.

 

 

 

 

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