News Release
Booze blitz in Blyth
Dated: 19 Dec 2007
Gallons of illicit drink has been taken off the streets of Blyth as police use new powers to take troublemakers out of the area.
Since November 1, officers at Blyth have issued 18 'Direction to Leave' notices ordering individuals to leave a particular area. None of those given such a notice have returned within the specified period.
The new legislation applies to people aged 16 and above and is part of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2007, which came into effect on October 25.
During the same period police in Blyth also seized 13 bottles of wine, 105 cans and bottles of beer and seven bottles of vodka from people drinking on the street.
The activity is linking in with forcewide festive campaign Enough is Enough, aimed at youngsters who disrupt their neighbourhoods.
As part of the campaign, police will be targeting under-age drinkers and outlets which fuel the problems by selling drink to under 18s.
Blyth Neighbourhood Inspector Bill Fawcett said: "These Direction to Leave notices are an excellent piece of legislation which enables us to deal more effectively with groups of youths who are consuming alcohol.
"We will continue to police this type of behaviour in a very robust manner, and reducing this unacceptable behaviour will remain a priority for us and our partners."