Police warning message to young drinkers written up in lights

Mar 14 2009 by Alastair Craig, The Journal

A LASER light show launched by police last night sent a striking warning to young drinkers in a North town. Huge crime prevention messages were projected onto one of the tallest buildings in Peterlee, County Durham, in a crack-down on anti-social behaviour.

Lee House, in Lee Terrace, became a giant billboard for the warnings to youths and their parents that excess drinking on street-corners will not be tolerated.

The Peterlee Neighbourhood Police Team were out in force as part of Operation Staysafe, which aims to prevent young people coming to harm through alcohol abuse.

During the Easington Community Safety Partnership project, officers worked alongside the local Youth Offending Team, alcohol intervention workers and voluntary agencies.

Chief Inspector Elaine Taylor, of Durham Police, said: “Large groups of young people, even when they are doing nothing wrong, can be intimidating and can raise the fear of crime.

“When they drink to excess they become a nuisance and a risk to themselves.

“They are more likely to have accidents, get involved in violent incidents, engage in anti-social behaviour and be arrested when they are drunk.

“The laser show asks parents if they know where their children are, what they are drinking and who is bringing them home tonight? Parents have a responsibility to make sure their children are safe and hopefully this message will remind them of that responsibility.”