Underage drinking and the anti-social and criminal behaviour that it can fuel will be the focus of Tayside Police’s Operation Dry Up in the Stobswell, Maryfield and Baxter Park areas tomorrow.
As the schools break up for the Easter Holiday, local community officers will be joined by community wardens and Dundee City Council Anti Social Behaviour Team, in a concerted effort to make young people aware of the dangers they expose themselves to and the harm they do to their communities through under-age drinking.
Understandably, children in their mid-teens are given more parental freedom and tend to be out and about with their friends in the evenings and at weekends. The vast majority are able to pass their time in a positive way and never expose themselves to harm.
But there are others who will seek out alcohol and whether they drink to excess or not, the fact they are under the influence can lead to their becoming involved in anti-social and criminal behaviour. Furthermore, their alcohol consumption can lead to immediate and long-term health issues.
Tayside Police said:
“It is crucial that adults recognise the role that they have to play in protecting our young people. All adults need to fully recognise they are adding fuel to the fire by providing children with alcohol.
“Parents and carers must take responsibility for their children and take time to find out where they are, who they are with and what they are doing.”
In previous initiatives, Tayside Police have removed vast quantities of beer, cider, spirits and alcopops from the hands of youngsters. Dry Up may not offer society a whole solution, as issues around under age drinking persist, but it does make a difference to our communities. As such Dry Up is a part of routine operational policing across the Tayside area.
Anyone with concerns about under age drinking in their area, or alcohol-related youth disorder or anti-social behaviour should call Tayside Police on 0300 111 2222, or speak to their local officer.
