Warning To Underage Drinkers In The North East

2 September 2014, 08:36 | Updated: 2 September 2014, 09:15

Children as young as 12 have been caught drinking alcohol during the summer holidays.

Now, Northumbria Police are warning underage drinkers they will face criminal action.

The message comes after a rise in anti social behaviour in Seaburn, with children as young as 12 caught drinking there.

Sunderland North Neighbourhood Policing Team has been running Operation Harpoon during the holidays - which is aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour caused by youths and fuelled by alcohol.

Extra police and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) have been on patrol throughout the north of the city seizing alcohol from underage youths.

Particular attention has been paid to Seaburn and the seafront areas which have been identified as an area of concern.

Acting Neighbourhood Inspector Dave Cole said:
"During the summer months we often see a rise in the number of reports of anti-social behaviour, in particular during the school holidays, however, this year we've not seen the same levels that we had at this time last year.

The effective partnership working we have had with Gentoo and the local authority has been invaluable in helping to tackle disorder and we will continue to work with them to tackle issues in the area.

Anti-social behaviour can really have a detrimental effect on people's lives, it's not just a nuisance but can also be intimidating to some residents, if anyone has any concerns I would urge them to get in contact."

Meanwhile, there's a warning to the children caught drinking alcohol that it could have long-term effect on their health.

Sue Taylor from Balance, the North East's Alcohol Office has told Heart that drinking, even up to the age of 25 can affect your brain's development.

She said,
'Children drinking from a young age can also lead to things like risky behaviour, including unprotected sex and taking illegal drugs.

Statistics show that fewer young children are choosing to drink, but those who are are actually choosing to drink more, which is the big worry in the North East.'