Police in blitz on teenage drinkers

Police in Stone are planning a no-nonsense blitz on underage drinkers and teenage yobs after a rise in town centre disturbances – and parents have been warned that they are part of the problem.

Officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Unit were alarmed by a mass of around 40 teenagers drinking and causing a ruckus in the town centre last weekend. The bulk of the nuisance incidents took place on the High Street and in nearby lanes.

Inspector Carl Humphries has pledged to 'nip the problem in the bud' with the crackdown starting this weekend.

Officers will seize alcohol from underage drinkers and pour it into drains, as well as taking them home in marked patrol cars and even referring their parents to social services if they suspect neglectful conduct.

Inspector Humphries said: "We have had youths causing a nuisance and it's something that has come about recently. We want to reassure people who use Stone town centre that we are going to get it sorted immediately, we're going to nip it in the bud.

"Some parents are allowing their children to go out drinking and they face the risk of prosecution or a fixed penalty if they have supplied the alcohol – which does happen."

Members of the public with information on anti-social behaviour in the area can contact police on 0300 123 4455.