Cramlington drinkers’ parents called out

Oct 4 2008 by Dave Black, The Journal

PARENTS of under-age drinkers caught in a Northumberland town are being asked by police to visit the scene and see what their children have been up to.

Already about 30 mums and dads in Cramlington have been called by officers to collect their youngsters at various places where they have been found drinking alcohol illegally.

The deterrent scheme, Operation Rake, has been running six weeks and will continue all autumn and winter to reduce drink-fuelled trouble.

Instead of taking the culprits home, police now contact their parents and ask them to attend the scene, where they are told about the incident.

It is hoped the exercise will shock parents into taking more control of their children’s behaviour.

Inspector David Felton said: “This is all about involving parents at the earliest opportunity and we are looking at early intervention with those who should have the most influence. Many of the parents have been surprised by what their children have been up to and it can really bring the message home to them to see for themselves where their sons and daughters are hanging around.

“In the first few weeks we’ve had very positive feedback from parents who have come out, and it’s also having a positive effect on crime.

“Anti-social behaviour incidents in the Cramlington area have dropped significantly, levels of criminal damage are down by 15% and overall crime down by 5% compared to this time last year.’’

Sgt Mick Aspey, of Cramlington Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “The incidents we’ve been attending are as a result of calls from the community. We’ve been visible in key areas at key times and with the help of parents we are making a difference.’’

Blyth Valley MP Ronnie Campbell said: “I think this is a good cure and asking the parents to come out and collect their kids is much better than just taking them home.

“It brings the situation home to parents more and shames the kids involved in front of their mother or father, if they have been drinking under age.’’

Earlier this year 18 were arrested in a crackdown on youth disorder on Cramlington’s Eastfield Dale and Eastfield Chase estates.

• For more stories about Crmlington, go to www.journallive.co.uk/cramlington.