Underage booze blitz carries PG certificate

Welshpool police have launched a clampdown on underage drinkers in a bid to blitz anti-social behavior in the town.

And offenders will not only be forced to watch their alcohol poured down the drain, they could face the wrath of their parents who will be informed by officers.

Mywelshpool understands that seven kids have already been caught with booze since the blitz was launched on Wednesday, and one youngster was also collared for underage smoking. In most cases, parents were informed.

“We are positively targeting this issue because it has been raised as a serious concern by the Police and Communities Together (PACT) meeting on Tuesday night,” said Inspector Diane Davies. “We are engaging the youths to try and make them aware of the concern and anxiety that they are causing for other members of the local community. It is an area that we focus on throughout the year and we hope that notifying parents immediately will help to make a difference.”

Fed up residents expressed concerns about nuisance crimes in and around the town to officers  at the meeting and PC Jim Baines reassured: “As a result, the priorities for the Welshpool Neighbourhood Police Management Team for the next three months will be clamping down on general anti-social behaviour (particularly in the lead up to Halloween and Fireworks nights) and underage drinking.”

Police conduct high-visibility patrols and have asked for the co-operation of the general public.

PC Jim Baines added: “If anybody has anything to report about these or any other matters of concern then please contact the team on 101 or via email welshpooltownnpt@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk .”

 For further information about Welshpool NPT visit: http://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/en/powys/neighbourhoods/welshpooltown/