MORE than 26,000 items of alcohol during a crackdown on underage drinking Derry in the past year, the PSNI has claimed.
As well seizing the alcohol, police said they had also spoke to up to 1,000 underage drinkers on people drinking in public as part of Operation Snapper.
The police initiative, which began last July, will again be in operation this summer.
A PSNI spokesperson said officers will be targeting hot-spot public areas to confiscate alcohol from underage drinkers and from people drinking in public in contravention of council byelaws.
Any underage drinker caught by police may also be liable for prosecution. Adults detected purchasing or supplying alcohol for use by juveniles can also expect prosecution.
Chief Inspector, Chris Yates, Area Commander for Foyle, said: “Underage drinking can lead to criminal damage, assault and fear of crime for residents in areas subject to this kind of anti-social behaviour. It presents a significant issue to our local community.
“We want to send a message to those juveniles who drink in public areas and exhibit anti-social behaviour that this will not be tolerated.
“I know, however, that the issues surrounding underage drinking are not just confined to the school holiday period.
“This is why we are also encouraging young people to get involved in the Summer Splash activities which are being provided by the NIO Community Safety Unit, further details of which should be in local media.
“Parents often underestimate how much influence they have on their children and hopefully this campaign will give them an opportunity to establish boundaries around alcohol.”