News
Police target proxy sales
Dated: 22 Aug 2012
[View Full Size]Police are targeting adults who buy alcohol for children this summer as a crack down on anti-social behaviour continues.
As part of the Safer Summer Plan, officers from Cramlington Neighbourhood Policing Team are reminding people that buying alcohol for under 18s - so called 'proxy' sales - is an offence and those caught could face a fine of up to £5,000.
Extra patrols are also being carried out by officers targeting anti-social behaviour (ASB) during the summer holiday period.
The initiative forms part of 'Put yourself in their shoes' - Northumbria Police's campaign tackling anti-social behaviour which urges people to think about how their actions can affect others.
Neighbourhood Inspector Dave Harris said: "We know that alcohol frequently fuels disorder and ASB and we are doing all we can to prevent this.
"This means reminding adults it's against the law to buy alcohol for those under 18. We want to make people aware that there are serious penalties if they are caught doing this.
"Children who drink alcohol can also become ill and are more likely to become involved in ASB which causes problems for the wider community.
"We're also increasing our patrols in the area, monitoring CCTV, as well as visiting shops selling alcohol to remind them of their responsibilities. Officers are taking appropriate action against anyone involved in anti-social behaviour.
"We want to encourage people who suspect that alcohol is being bought on behalf of under 18s to contact us so we can take action.
Posters are going up in the Cramlington area asking people to ring officers with information or to contact us by email."
Anyone with issues of ASB in their area is asked to contact their local Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101, extension 69191 or via the Northumbria Police website:
http://www.northumbria.police.uk/your_neighbourhood/northumberland/cramlington/index.asp