Browse Sections

• Education
• Special reports

Crackdown nets booze haul

15/12/2006

A HUGE police crackdown on underage drinking in Moston and Harpurhey has netted more than 100 bottles from teenage drinkers.

Officers seized a cocktail of beer, alco-pops and spirits during the operation - codenamed Pepino - and parents of 53 youths have been warned about their behaviour.

Police officers carried out high visibility patrols in neighbourhoods and open spaces to target nuisance juveniles, making 24 arrests for offences including criminal damage and possession of an offensive weapon. Ten fixed penalty notices for disorder were also handed out.

A car and an off-road bike were seized after they were spotted being driven illegally on public roads and police also recovered a pedal cycle that had been stolen during a street robbery.

Sergeant Steve Gilbertson from Harpurhey police station said: "Operation Pepino has had a significant impact on low-level crimes, such as anti-social behaviour. The haul of over 100 bottles of alcohol sends out a clear message to young people that underage drinking will not be tolerated in Moston and Harpurhey.

"It is also quite concerning to see that as well as beer, cider and alco-pops, we did in fact recover numerous bottles of spirits including vodka which were being consumed on the streets.

"As well as being illegal, the consumption of such strong alcoholic drinks by young people could also have serious health implications and I would urge all parents to help us to educate their children about the consequences of their actions".

He added: "We want to send out a clear message that patrols will be stepped up even further on the run up to Christmas and anyone caught causing youth nuisance will be dealt with."