Crackdown on rowdy youths

ROWDY groups of young people were targeted as part of a police crackdown on anti-social behaviour in Seaford and Peacehaven.

Officers carried out Operation Thunder in Seaford and Operation Intensity in Peacehaven, both on Friday.

They were prompted by the need to combat the rise in the number of under age drinkers and associated vandalism, and reports of anti-social behaviour in both towns.

Officers visited off-licences to raise awareness of young drinkers in shop managers and staff. They then targeted under age drinking hotspots.

In Seaford, nine youths aged 14-16 were caught under the influence of alcohol in Homefield Place and Crouch Gardens. They were taken home and spoken to in the presence of their parents.

Alcohol was seized from two youths in the Epinay Park area of Peacehaven and others were deterred from congregating in the park.

Inspector Mark Huff said: 'These were not one-off operations. Officers will continue to target areas where under age drinking and anti-social behaviour are on the increase.

'In each reported case, we will deal both firmly and robustly with the offenders.'

He added: 'Where criminal offences occur, arrests will be made. We will continue to notify parents of their children's behaviour and will look to instigate anti-social behaviour orders where advice and warnings are not heeded.'

He said parents needed to work with the police if vandalism and anti-social behaviour was to end.

'It is the adults who must work with us and the rest of their community. I would urge parents to quiz their children about their activities to ensure they are not causing disruption, disturbance and damage to community life.

'Parents of all under age youths who are stopped for possessing alcohol or for causing a nuisance can expect to be visited at home by officers and receive a warning letter,' he added