Hampshire Constabulary: Underage drinking is a focus for police and partners in Eastleigh

You are here: Home → News & Campaigns → Press Releases → Underage drinking is a focus for police and partners in Eastleigh

Underage drinking is a focus for police and partners in Eastleigh

Press Releases

Published: 21/08/2009

Local officers and agencies such as the council are cracking down on youngsters who are drinking alcohol as part of the ongoing force wide anti social behaviour (ASB) campaign.

The Safer Neighbourhoods teams currently carry out targeted patrols and seize alcohol from those who are under 18 and may also either ring their parents or guardians, or write to them informing them of the police encounter.

Police are taking this one step further to emphasise the seriousness of this issue and reduce reports of underage drinking, by making home visits.

PC Angie Whitmarsh is the ASB officer for the Eastleigh area, and will be visiting the homes of youths who are caught drinking illegally to speak with parent or carers. These visits will also be made by local partner agency representatives

PC Whitmarsh said “Sometimes adults are leaving their youngsters alone at home and parties or gatherings are taking place without the consent of the parents, or the minors are going out drinking without their parent’s knowledge. In other cases adults may even be buying the alcohol for the young people to drink. This can result in disorder and nuisance for the surrounding community, so visits are being made to ensure both the adults and children involved know the risks and consequences of this kind of behaviour.”

Recent legislation has given police and Crime and Disorder Partnerships the power to close premises where there is persistent anti social behaviour and parents need to be aware that this may be considered by authorities if the behaviour persists within their property.

All the parents visited so far as part of the crack down have been appreciative of the information and welcomed the chance to discuss the events with the officer and their youngster.

PC Whitmarsh continued, “Ultimately we want the young people in Eastleigh to be able to enjoy the summer and be safe, and make sensible decisions about their actions. This also ensures that other residents are not subjected to unnecessary anti social or inconsiderate behaviour as a result of underage drinking, for the benefit of the community as a whole.”

Previous Page
Police name man who died in Andover

Next Page
Police appeal after man dies in Andover