Hebweb news 2008: Crackdown on underage drinking

Crackdown on underage drinking

Tuesday, 15 July 2008

The Upper Valley Neighbourhood Policing Team has continued their crackdown on underage drinking in the Todmorden, Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd areas of Calderdale over the weekend.

They have been continuing their efforts in reducing anti-social behaviour and drink related crime in the area.

High visibility patrols have taken place on both Friday and Saturday nights and officers have visited several town centre pubs and bars to reassure members of the public and to support licensees.

Sergeant Chris Norbury, of Upper Valley Neighbourhood Policing Team, said police were responding to reports of underage drinking and anti-social behaviour in these areas.

Sgt Norbury said: “The aim of these visits is to ensure anyone who is barred from licensed premises as a result of their behaviour is not breaching their ban.

“Officers from Upper Valley Neighbourhood Policing Team will continue to target known meeting places for youths who are participating in underage drinking and will continue to seize alcohol from youths found drinking in these areas.

“The number of seizures and reports of anti-social behaviour is continuing to reduce and local officers will continue to target known locations and visit the parents of youths who have been found drinking.”

Police were called after a window was damaged at Mooches in Hebden Bridge over the weekend. Officers are now investigating the incident.

Sgt Norbury said: “Crime is extremely low in the Upper Valley thanks to the vigilance of members of the public, the police and partner agencies who work closely together. To help keep it that way, members of the public are asked to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the police.

“Residents are also encouraged to participate in Neighbourhood Watch Groups. Anyone wanting to receive help or guidance in setting up a Neighbourhood Watch Group should call their local neighbourhood policing team officer, or Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator PC 2164 Herring on 01422 337033.”

Anyone wanting to speak to an officer about setting up their own Neighbourhood Watch Group can do so by contacting the following officers:

Hebden Bridge: PC 3678 Martin Langan, PCSO 861 Stephen Bates or PCSO 141 Emily Dean – 01422 318181.

Todmorden: PC 4161 John Spence, PCSO 578 Elayne Wright, PCSO 81 Pat Hirst or PCSO 38 David Evans – 01706 817237.

Mytholmroyd: PC 1080 Lisa McDonald or PCSO 394 Edward Webb – 01422 318181.