More Action On Underage Drinking

Police in Swanage are taking action against underage drinking in the run up to Christmas.

Officers in Swanage are carrying out increased foot patrols in the town centre and surrounding areas to prevent people under the age of 18 from drinking alcohol and causing anti-social behaviour.

Sergeant Jon McCarthy, Purbeck Deputy Neighbourhood Inspector, said: "We have had a number of complaints from members of the public recently about children as young as 13 drinking alcohol in Swanage.

"Not only is underage drinking illegal, it can have a devastating effect on the body at such a young age and can also cause children to behave in an anti-social manner where they could put themselves and others at risk.

"I am encouraging parents to be vigilant with their children and to ensure that they know where their children are going when they go out.

"Parents should also make sure alcohol from their home cannot be taken by their children.

"We will act on information provided to us by the public, and we will increase patrols in areas where we receive reports of children drinking alcohol. We will seize alcohol from anyone under the age of 18.

"If children are caught drinking alcohol, their parents and Social Services will be informed. If a child is caught drinking
alcohol again, we will visit the individual and their parents at home and any further incidents could result in that child receiving an Anti-Social Behaviour Order or an Anti-social Behaviour Contract."

Purbeck Safer Neighbourhood Team will continue to work with partner agencies, including youth centres and Purbeck District Council, to tackle underage drinking.