PARENTS of under age youths caught with alcohol in March as part of a new crackdown have had the drink confiscated- and their parents sent letters by police telling them what happened. Large amounts of alcohol have been seized from March youths in the pa

PARENTS of under age youths caught with alcohol in March as part of a new crackdown have had the drink confiscated- and their parents sent letters by police telling them what happened.

"Large amounts of alcohol have been seized from March youths in the past two weeks," said Sergeant Alan Boughen.

"There is clearly a link between underage drinking and youth related anti-social behaviour in the town and we will not tolerate it.

He heads a team tackling anti social behaviour and his actions follow the March and district neighbourhood policing team's second panel meeting when it was agreed youth related anti-social behaviour in the town should be a priority.

"Officers have been carrying out high visibility patrols in the town centre during peak times and confiscating any alcohol found on under 18s," he said.

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

He said: "Every young person who has alcohol confiscated will have a letter sent home to their parent or guardian.

But Sgt Boughen added: "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."

* Officers have received complaints from residents about footballs being kicked in the areas of Broad Street and Fenland Walk.

Last Thursday at around 7pm damage was caused to property in Fenland Walk after youths were reported to be kicking a football around the area.

Sergeant Boughen added: "I would like to remind people that it is an offence to play football on a footpath and urge young people to stick to areas meant for football.