Police crackdown on underage drinking

Police officers involved in a six week operation to reduce anti-social behaviour and underage drinking in the Dorset town of Ferndown, say it’s been a resounding success.

Operation Tolerance was launched at the end of July by PCSO (Police Community Support Officer) Chantelle Gosney from Ferndown Central Safer Neighbourhood Team and Safe Schools and Communities Officer (SSCO) Sarah Rose.

Every Friday and Saturday night, two PCs, two specials and two PCSOs on foot targeted areas frequented by young people during the school holidays.

Where young people were found with alcohol, their parents were contacted and asked to come and collect their children.

Operation Tolerance has resulted in an eight per cent reduction in reported anti-social behaviour, when compared with the same period in 2008 (this equates from 94 calls to 86 calls).

During the operation, the following items of alcohol were seized from young people:

5 bottles of spirits
4 litre bottles of cider
2 bottles of alcopops
45 cans of beer
130 bottles of beer.

PCSO Gosney carried out follow-up visits to parents at their home addresses.

Letters were also sent to all parents from the Anti-Social Behaviour Officer, Bob Bailey, from East Dorset District Council and Section Commander, Inspector Mike Darkin about their children’s behaviour. The letters also included information on where parents and young people could find support and help in their local area.

The operation will be continued in the mid-term and Christmas holidays.