Underage drinkers targeted by police

POLICE are warning youngsters about the punishments for being caught with alcohol after eight Oldham teenagers were found with booze.

A 16-year old boy was summonsed to court for the persistent possession of alcohol during Oldham East Neighbourhood Policing Team’s latest anti-social behaviour crackdown, Operation Langton.

Another teenager was arrested for being drunk and disorderly, while a further six were fined £50 each after being found in possession of alcohol in a public place.

The initiative targets Waterhead Park and its surroundings, with officers increasing patrols in the area.

Stop checks have been carried out and underage drinkers have had their alcohol confiscated and in some cases taken home to their parents.

Youngsters found in and around the parameters of the park have been encouraged into alternative activities such as at the park youth club.

Insp Melita Worswick, of the Oldham East Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Alcohol-related anti-social behaviour is upsetting for law-abiding people. We are using laws where if a young person is caught with alcohol in a public place more than three times in 12 months, it becomes a criminal offence. They could then be summoned to court, fined up to £500 and given a criminal record.

“This is great news for our community whose lives are made a misery by street drinking and means we are able to deal with the issue head on. We have been speaking to the parents of the youths involved and have also issued them letters in partnership with the council letting them know the consequences they may face should their behaviour persist. Those parents who ignore our actions may be made subject to parenting orders.

“One of the things that residents regularly tell us is that they are concerned with youth nuisance and alcohol-related anti-social behaviour.

“We hope this will send everyone a clear message that intimidating and destructive behaviour fuelled by alcohol will not be tolerated. We also want to send this reminder to parents that they need to know what their child is up and where they are.”