Alcohol seized from children in operation

ENOUGH booze to fill the shelves of an off-licence has been seized from under-age drinkers by police at Camborne.

Beer, cider, spirits and wine worth several hundred pounds was confiscated from drinkers as young as 11.

It will be disposed of by the police by pouring it down the drain.

Insp Richard Hockin, who is in charge of policing in the Camborne-Redruth area, said he had two messages.

"The first is that my officers will take a robust stance on alcohol issues and the other is that parents must take responsibility for their children.

"I am disappointed that youngsters of this age are able to get access to alcohol but they must go home with the smell of it on their breath."

PCSO Mike Kearon said the vast majority of the drink was seized during Operation Tippit, which targeted under age drinkers.

Ten officers, using head cameras, carried out patrols in Crane Park, Tuckingmill Valley Park, Pengegon play area and the centre of Camborne.

PCSO Kearon said: "Some of the youngsters were aged 11-12 and some of the girls were 13.

"We seized alcohol from about 20 of them and also found stashes hidden in the bushes. Some of the girls were quite drunk and were more aggressive than the boys."

PCSO Andy Richards said he escorted a number of girls home because of their condition.

"The parents I spoke to weren't aware of what their kids were doing."

Follow-up letters will be sent to the parents by Cornwall anti-social behaviour team.

This will highlight their children's behaviour and warn that further action could be taken if they are found in a similar state in future.