Underage drinking scheme rolled out across borough
Friday, 09 March, 2012
A DRIVE, which has seen alcohol related anti social behaviour slashed by over half in Accrington, is being rolled out across Hyndburn.
The Community Alcohol Network (CAN) supports local retailers and residents in the Peel, Barnfield and Woodnook areas as part an initiative by Lancashire County Council and Lancashire Constabulary to clamp-down on those selling or giving alcohol to children.
As part of the project, Special Constables, Neighbourhood Policing Teams and Trading Standards officers have been carrying out increased patrols across hotspot areas, seizing alcohol from underage drinkers whilst ensuring it is also being sold responsibly.
Officers have also visited schools to raise awareness of the issues associated with underage drinking and to promote diversionary activities available for young people.
Posters have been displayed in shops and pubs and leaflets have been posted through people's doors in a bid to raise awareness of the consequences of buying alcohol for children.
All off-licence staff across the Borough have been given a dedicated mobile number, which links directly to the police, allowing them to quickly respond to any issues relating to underage drinking.
Since it was launched in June 2011, anti-social behaviour committed by young people in Accrington's Peel, Barnfield and Woodnook areas, has reduced by 53 per cent. This equates to 170 incidents to 80 incidents between June and November 2011, compared to the same period in the previous year. All anti social behaviour reduced by 32 per cent (down 859 to 580 incidents). In November 2011, there was a reduction of 55 per cent in total anti social behaviour with incidents down from 143 to 64 incidents.
PC Martin Midgley said: "This campaign is all about working with communities, local retailers and other organisations to reduce alcohol related anti social behaviour.
"Its success is a direct result of working closely with licensees, holding educational seminars, cracking down on underage sales and by carrying out dedicated patrols to support retailers.
"We are aware of the negative impact underage drinking and anti social behaviour can have on our communities. We hope to strengthen the partnerships we have developed with the licensing trade throughout Hyndburn and together reduce the amount of alcohol being sold and consumed by young people on our streets. Ultimately, this should reduce the amount of anti social behaviour and crime being committed across the Borough."
Joyce Plummer, Chair of the Community Alcohol Network added: "The CAN project has focussed on educating young people, supporting licensed premises, listening to the views of people in the area and combining the resources of police and trading standards officers who are responsible for enforcing the law relating to the supply of alcohol to under 18s.
"We have been able to agree a plan of simple and effective actions which have been successful in strengthening our community."
Anyone with information or concerns about underage drinking or anti social behaviour can contact the police on 0845 1 25 35 45 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Alternatively, people can report crime on-line at Crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.
