A SUMMER crackdown on nuisance youths and under-age drinking has been launched in Stevenage. Police swooped on a large group of people congregating in the Fairlands Valley Park showground site off Broadhall Way on Friday night and seized alcohol from a nu

A SUMMER crackdown on nuisance youths and under-age drinking has been launched in Stevenage.

Police swooped on a large group of people congregating in the Fairlands Valley Park showground site off Broadhall Way on Friday night and seized alcohol from a number of under 18s.

Officers are stepping up patrols in the town throughout the summer holidays to combat an increase in anti-social behaviour.

Led by the Stevenage community team, the patrols which started on Friday night will concentrate on under age drinking and disorder.

Sgt Jason Thorne said: "With the warm weather we have been experiencing and with schools breaking up for the summer holidays we do see a larger than usual number of young people congregating in parks and shopping precincts, especially on a Friday and Saturday evening.

"The majority of these young people are well behaved and enjoying themselves. However, there are a small minority who insist on causing disruption to residents and businesses and it is those people we are targeting."

He warned: "We will deal robustly with any young person who is found to be under age and in possession of alcohol. We will also deal firmly with any adult who is found to have been purchasing alcohol for a child.

"Our patrols will include visits to licensed shops reminding them of their responsibility not to supply alcohol to anyone under 18 or to anyone suspecting of buying alcohol for under 18s.

"The message is clear - go out and have fun but don't drink alcohol and cause disruption to others or you will be dealt with by police.

"Previously, fixed penalty notices with a fine of £80 have been issued to some adults that have bought alcohol for under 18s and this process will continue.