News
Alcohol seized as part of ASB crackdown
Dated: 17 Aug 2012
[View Full Size]Officers in Sunderland have seized a large quantity of alcohol as part of a crackdown on anti-social behaviour.
The alcohol, which includes cans and bottles of lager and bottles of cider, has been seized from youngsters over the past two months as part of Operation Educator in Sunderland North.
The initiative was mounted following concerns raised by residents in Seaburn, Roker and Fulwell about young people drinking and causing anti-social behaviour (ASB), as well as similar issues reported in the grounds of Sunderland North Community Sports complex and Downhill areas.
It also comes as part of 'Put yourself in their shoes', the Northumbria Police campaign focusing on ASB and urging people to think about how their actions could affect others.
Educator sees Sunderland North Neighbourhood Policing Team carrying out extra patrols in the highlighted areas at key times. Officers are working with partners at Sunderland City Council ASB teams to target those responsible.
The team has also been well supported by Sunderland Council's Northern Area Committee, while youth provision workers are supporting the operation by working with young people to divert them into positive activities.
CCTV in the area is being monitored to identify any adults who are buying alcohol on behalf of children. Anyone found doing so could face an £80 fine or be prosecuted.
Officers are also encouraging local shops to adopt a "Challenge 25" policy, where they have to seek proof of ID from anyone suspected of being under 25-years-of age.
Neighbourhood Inspector Tony Carty said: "It's well known that youth disorder is often fuelled by alcohol. Youngsters who drink alcohol are more likely to become involved in anti-social behaviour which causes problems for the wider community.
"These young people are also made vulnerable themselves when they drink and could become involved in crime or become victims of crime. The seizures have put a stop to any of this.
"We want to stop youngsters under 18 from getting hold of alcohol in the first place and will continue to work with our partners and licensed premises to target adults who buy alcohol for under 18s.
"Officers will also patrol areas where we know young people are gathering and potentially consuming alcohol and causing disorder.
"While the majority of youths are law-abiding and don't come to the attention of the police, the few that do are being warned of the consequences of their behaviour."
Councillor Cecilia Gofton, Sunderland City Council Portfolio Holder for Responsive Services and Customer Care, said: "Anti-social behaviour is often highlighted as an area of concern by residents across Sunderland.
"There is excellent partnership working between the council’s anti-social behaviour team, the police and other partner organisations to tackle the problem and we are delighted to support this latest Northumbria Police initiative in the Sunderland North area."
Anyone who has any information or concerns about anti-social behaviour in the area can contact the Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101 ext 69191.
Residents can also call Sunderland City Council's Neighbourhood Helpline on 0300 1000 101 to report youth disorder, adult disorder, neighbour disputes, ball games nuisance, intimidation and harassment, noise nuisance, graffiti, litter, dog fouling, sales of alcohol to under 18s, abandoned vehicles and broken street lights.