Operation Abstain update
| Published: 26th February 2008 15:38 |
Hastings Police are proactively tackling underage drinking. A national campaign funded by the government featured during half term week from 15th to 24th February. This saw local officers targeting areas of Hastings which have been highlighted for underage drinking and the associated anti social behaviour. Additional patrols confiscated:-
71 cans of beer
5 bottle of cider
4 bottles of wine
5 bottles of spirits
2 bottles of alco pop
One youth, aged 14 years, was taken to hospital following excessive consumption of alcohol in the town centre. The additional policing has provided more than 50 additional hours of policing, increased numbers of units of alcohol seized and a 50% increase in the number of persons stopped by police.
Sergeant Gates of the Hastings Neighbourhood Specialist Team stated " This is the start of our campaign to reduce alcohol related incidents caused by in some cases very young people. We are looking to involve parents who are often unaware of what their children are doing. We have looked at various options and will look to deal under age drinking by utilising anti social behaviour legislation, where appropriate fast tracking official reprimanding and where necessary prosecutions. We are working closely with Youth Services in the town who have also taken positive action during half term to divert young people away from the 'binge drinking' culture. I would urge parents to be more vigilant and that if anyone has concerns regarding under age drinking they contact the Anti Social Behaviour hotline 0800 0854 500 or Hastings Police on 0845 60 70 999. In cases of emergency to contact the police via 999.
