Booze crackdown sees hundreds of drinks siezed

Sgt Lee Moriarty helped to confiscate hundreds of cans and bottles in a weekend crackdown

Officers from Rochdale South Neighbourhood South Neighbourhood Policing Team have seized around 200 bottles and cans of booze from underage drinkers during 12 weeks of weekend operational work.

But instead of pouring the alcohol down the drain, the haul, which includes 103 cans of lager, 86 bottles of lager, 12 litres of wine and eight litres of vodka, has been donated to care home residents for their enjoyment.

The seizures were made during Operation Valencia, which saw members of the Rochdale South Neighbourhood Policing Team take part in high visibility patrols on foot and in mobile patrol in hot spot locations in the Rochdale South area with partner agencies such as offender management officers, youth services, early break, licensing officers and fire fighters.

It came following increased concerns over anti-social behaviour and criminal damage by youths.

During the operation police stepped up Friday and Saturday night patrols in trouble spots such as Kirkholt, Castleton and Kingsway and used handheld cameras and mobile video units. Those found hanging around were stopped and accounted for and were offered leaflets providing a list of activities that the youths could take part in.

Youths continuing to be a nuisance had letters issued to their parents and those ignoring the two warning were then encouraged to sign into the acceptable behaviour scheme.

Police also worked with licensed premises and shops in a bid to curb underage sales.

Sergeant Lee Moriarty said: " A staggering amount of alcohol was seized during the operation and a large amount had to be poured away. What has to be remembered is that with alcohol comes nuisance and anti-social behaviour.

“We have had some serious incidents of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage in the past and this has been because of the number of youngsters getting drunk on the street.

"There have even been several instances where youths have been getting adults to buy alcohol for them, which is why one person was issued with a fixed penalty for the offence. For the team the most pleasing result is the fact that there has been a drop in incidents as a result of this operation.

“Residents living in the area have been telling us about how pleased they are about the operation and the results. This is great news for the team and shows that the work we have put into the operation has paid off.”

Christine Webb, chief executive for Springhill Hospice at Broad Lane, Rochdale, said: “We have had support from Rochdale division for many years in a number of ways. “The alcohol that the team has given will be used in the ward area and day hospice for our patients who enjoy a drink before their meals.

“We are extremely grateful to the local police for their generosity.”