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'Buy youths booze and we'll fine you'

Sue Carr
24/ 8/2005

GLOSSOP Police are promising hefty fines for anyone caught buying alcohol for underage youths.

The message comes after an operation was launched in the town centre and, in just one night, two people were hit with £80 fixed penalty notices.

Police officers and special constables now plan to continue the operation over the coming weeks and have warned culprits that - with a helping hand from the council's CCTV system - Big Brother is watching them.

Inspector Stuart Thompson said: "Most evenings, especially Friday and Saturday nights, we see a rise in anti-social behaviour caused by youths and the main cause of this is alcohol.

"They behave more boisterously and cause annoyance to local people. I regularly get calls from residents in affected areas such as Manor Park, Howard Park, Surrey Street and Pikes Lane.

"The message is we have got to stop the flow of alcohol that is getting into the hands of young people.

"This is the first time we have run something like this in Glossop and in view of it being so successful on Friday, we are going to continue it."

Two offenders were caught and given fines and the alcohol was seized. Letters have also been sent to the parents of the youths involved and police have spoken to shopkeepers and warned them to be extra vigilant.

Inspector Thompson added: "Hopefully this, especially the fines, will hit home with people that they have to behave responsibly."

To report someone suspected of supplying alcohol to youths call police on 0845 1233333.