The Maldon District Community Safety Partnership is working together with Essex Police and Partner Agencies to tackle underage drinking in our community making the Maldon District a safer place. Many under 18’s are consuming alcohol in public areas by purchasing the drink illegally, or getting someone older to purchase on their behalf, which is not only putting their health at risk but also increasing criminal activity in the area.

Operation Alcoholwatch has been made possible by a successful funding bid to the Home Office, who have expressed their confidence in the initiative. Operation Alcoholwatch has proved successful in other areas across the UK, such as Newcastle, where there has been a significant decrease in alcohol related incidents involving the under 18’s.

Home Office Minister Alan Campbell said;

“The Government is committed to tackling underage drinking. Alcohol, especially in the summer, is one of the main drivers of low level youth crime and antisocial behaviour in our communities and partnerships like this one will help local authorities and police to combat the problem through a mixture of education, enforcement and cooperation with business.”

“We are already undertaking a wide range of actions including giving police more powers and resources to tackle disruptive drinkers, running our hard hitting Know Your Limits campaign which confronts young people with the reality of their drunken behaviour and consulting on new rules to ensure businesses that sell alcohol are doing it responsibly.”

Police Community Support Officers, Special Constabulary, Park Rangers and Licensees are all working together to bring reassurance and safety to the community, undergoing high visibility patrols in hotspot areas and visiting local shops to develop and maintain good working relationships.

We take this opportunity to ask for your help by keeping us updated on any information you have regarding underage drinking in your area. Contact us in confidence on 01621 875794. HELP US TO HELP YOU