ALCOHOL seized from under-age drinkers in Whittlesey was poured down a drain by police on Tuesday as they issued a warning to the youth of the town. Police have on-the-spot powers to confiscate and pour alcoholic drinks away but so much was collected on j

ALCOHOL seized from under-age drinkers in Whittlesey was poured down a drain by police on Tuesday as they issued a warning to the youth of the town.

Police have on-the-spot powers to confiscate and pour alcoholic drinks away but so much was collected on just two patrols that it was disposed of at the station.

Brandy mixed with coco-cola, vodka, cider and cans of beer were just some of the drinks confiscated from teenagers as young as 13 during the patrols.

Police say the crackdown on anti-social behaviour is set to continue.

PCSO Jo Lester said: "During the past few weeks we have seized a large amount of alcohol from youths in the town.

"There is a link between under-age drinking and youth-related anti-social behaviour in the town, including criminal damage, graffiti painted on the walls and smashed bottles left on the floor; and we will not tolerate it."

Police are also sending letters to parents of any youngster caught in possession of alcohol to let them know they have been caught in the act.

The crackdown is one of the priorities of the town's neighbourhood policing panel. It is concentrated mainly on the town centre, High Causeway and Manor Leisure Centre.

PCSO Lester said: "This is an issue that is concerning many people in the town and we will continue with our robust enforcement.

"This is not about stopping young people from hanging around the town and there are a number of young people who do so without causing any problems. However, there are a small minority who proceed to act anti-socially in the town.