Published: Saturday, 24th October, 2009 12:00pm

Police target teen drinkers

by Adam Hewitt

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PARKS in Earley that are hotspots for teen drinking are being targeted by police.

The move is part of Operation Confidence, which runs until Christmas tackling anti-social behaviour.

Deputy police commander for Wokingham borough Lindsay James said: "We regularly patrol anti-social behaviour hotspots, such as Laurel Park and Sol Joel Park, and our officers have seized large amounts of alcohol from youngsters.

"We regularly carry out test purchase operations at local off-licences. However, we are convinced that a lot of the alcohol that gets into the hands of under-age drinkers is bought legitimately in the first instance, for example by parents or other adults for their own consumption."

Wokingham borough licensing officer Claire King warns parents: "If you keep alcohol at home, check your supply regularly.

"Also check that the number of empty bottles and cans in your waste bin matches the amount you have drunk yourself; your children may have 'borrowed' some without your knowledge."

The borough has fewer reports of anti-social behaviour than Reading or West Berkshire, but incidents did spike in August at 460, up from 370 in June.

In September it fell back to 393.

PC Naomi Jolliffe said hotspots include:

- Laurel Park

- Hornbeam estate

- Around the Lower Earley Asda

- Woodford Park, Woodley

- Headley Road car park and industrial estate

- Around the Tesco Express in Hurricane Way.