Rise in teenage drink-crime

Rise in teenage drink-crime

Store owner Ralph Morgans asks a young customer for proof of her age

Under-18s are now responsible for one in five drink-related crimes in west Wales.

Dyfed-Powys-Police say they are increasingly concerned about the number of youngsters causing trouble while under the influence of alcohol.

The force is joining forces with trading standards officers from all the local authorities in its area, including Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire, in a fresh bid to reduce the problem.

They will target shops and pubs who flaunt the law and serve alcohol to anyone under age.

Licensees are also being urged to demand identification from youngsters who might be under 18.

Some stores already carry out rigorous checks.

Our aim is to reduce anti-social behaviour linked to alcohol and some young people

Licensing officer Mike Price

The Spar shop in Johnstown, Carmarthen, is near two comprehensive schools and only two pupils are allowed on the premises at any one time.

Manager Ralph Morgans said: "The biggest problem is on a Friday or Saturday night when they are not in school uniform but out in their civvies, but we do try and keep as vigilant as we can."

Figures show youngsters between the ages of 10 and 18 accounted for 20% of all alcohol-related crimes in the Dyfed-Powys-Police area between April and September 2002.

Identity card

This represents an increase of almost 50% over the previous three years.

The Validate card scheme was launched in Carmarthenshire in 2001 but the police licensing officer for the county, Mike Price, said the take-up had been disappointingly low.

Licensing officer Mike Price

"It's not an identity card but a card that proves someone is old enough to buy products that are age restricted," he said.

"The take -up has not been good.

"Basically youngsters do not want a card to prove they are not old enough to do what they want to do."

He said only if off-licences and pubs regularly asked for proof of age would those 18 or over register.

"It is the responsibility of the licensee and I would urge them to take a responsible approach," he added.

The new agreement between police and the trading standards departments was signed in Carmarthen on Friday.

"Our joint ultimate aim is to enhance community safety and reduce anti-social behaviour linked to alcohol and some young people," added Mr Price.