Police want parents help to tackle drink menace

Parents are being told to take more responsibility in stopping their children from drinking and causing problems in Stamford.

Drunken teenagers are contributing to anti-social behaviour which is blighting the lives of some residents in Stamford.

The town's police force believe irresponsible adults are giving alcohol to children. The adults are either strangers approached by the underage drinkers or people they know over the age of 18 who are buying them the alcohol.

During the half term officers have been confiscating alcohol from teenagers in Stamford, Bourne, Rutland and The Deepings.

Insp Gary Stewart is calling on parents to help stamp out underage boozing by checking that their children have not been drinking when they come home at night.

He has also warned off-licences and pubs that officers will soon be checking that they are not selling alcohol to underage children.

Insp Stewart, who is based at Stamford Police Station, said: "Parents could be our greatest weapon in getting kids away from alcohol by asking a few simple questions and taking some responsibility.

"Clearly it is the parents' responsibility to bring up their children and not outside agencies such as the local council, the police, education or health authorities.

"It is their responsibility first and foremost to ensure their children fit in
to society."

The Mercury has received reports of cans and bottles being found in parks in Elizabeth Road and Sandringham Close.

Yobs have also thrown beer cans at members of the town's Air Training Corps and passers-by.

Insp Stewart said: "We have anecdotal evidence that kids are hanging around off-licences asking adults to buy them alcohol. They are contributing to anti-social behaviour by doing this.

"If your children turn up at night after being out do you check to see if they have been drinking? If not you should be.

"If they have been drinking, question where they are getting the drink from."

Teenagers found drunk and acting anti-socially will be reprimanded and given a final warning before being taken home to their parents by officers.

Police also have the powers to confiscate alcohol if children are acting anti-socially or they believe this is going to happen.

Rutland & Stamford Mercury