Police ready to get tough on underage drink problem

The Operation Resolve campaign, which started this week and will run until the end of the school holidays in August, will focus on incidents of disorder – many of which are fuelled by alcohol.
Sergeant Steven Wilson, of Annan Police, said: “Anti-social behaviour throughout the community police beats areas of Annandale and Eskdale is a persistent problem.
“Complaints and reports of underage drinking and general drink fuelled anti-social behaviour, as well as reports of street disorder, are a concern and have an impact on the wider community.”
He added: “It is clear from the underlying issues that the problems associated with underage drinking cannot be addressed by any single organisation.
“A partnership approach focusing on prevention, including inputs from parents, is required to provide a sustainable solution to the problem.”
Sgt Wilson, who is leading the operation, says officers will patrol identified areas where there have been regular problems across Annandale and Eskdale.
And there will be particular emphasis on Saturday nights, with school campus officers working alongside their colleagues to identify any underage drinkers in licensed premises.
The police will then speak to the parents/guardians of any identified youths and will issue a letter explaining the reason for their involvement.
Hoping the crackdown will be welcomed by members of the community, Sgt Wilson added: “Operation Resolve will discourage and prevent incidents of youth alcohol misuse and associated anti-social behaviour and we also hope it will provide reassurance to residents and members of the public.
“Officers will interact with local youths, signposting them to diversionary activities, and we will detect and report offenders.
ìWe hope to raise awareness regarding the issue of alcohol abuse by youths and ensure that parents and guardians take responsibility for these youths.”