Police seize 12 litres of booze from teens drinking in Recreation Ground

Blandford Safer Neighbourhood Team is carrying out a series of targeted patrols in the town in the hope of eliminating underage drinking and anti-social behaviour.

Officers have been seizing alcohol from anyone under the age of 18 and, in certain cases, contacting parents of those acting in an anti-social manner to advise them that their son or daughter has been brought to the attention of the police.

In just one hour (between 8 and 9pm) last Friday 15 October 2010, a total of 12 litres of alcohol was seized from persons under the age of 18 in the Park Road Recreation Ground area, Blandford.

Photos on the Dorset Police website show the haul included cans of cider, bottles of vodka-mix drinks and a large plastic bottle of white cider.

Inspector Shawn Whitley, North Dorset Section Commander said: “The Park Road Recreation Ground is an area where anti-social behaviour is regularly reported and therefore our Safer Neighbourhood Teams visit it frequently.

“I have no doubt that by preventing young people from getting drunk we are not only reducing associated anti-social behaviour but also preventing young persons from putting themselves in vulnerable situations.

“Not only are drunken persons more likely to cause anti-social behaviour, they are also more likely to become victims of crime.

“Our message to the young people of Blandford is; don’t drink if you are underage and be responsible. Distance yourself from other people who are intent on behaving in an anti-social manner and please consider local residents while you are out in the town. Our message to parents is; know where your children are and what they are up to.”

What do you think? Has Blandford got a problem with teen drinkers? Have you ever been caused any problems? Or do you think they are just harmless youths going through one of life’s rites of passage?

Blandford Safer Neighbourhood Teams will continue to carry out proactive and targeted patrols, seizing alcohol from those who are underage.

Safer Neighbourhood Teams will also continue their ongoing work with partner agencies, including North Dorset District, Dorset County Council and youth services looking at ways to tackle underage drinking.