Alcohol and cigarettes were seized from underage youths in a joint undercover operation by Thurrock Council and Essex Police.
Friday’s event in Grays focused on anyone buying alcohol for people under 18 – this act of proxy alcohol purchase is a criminal offence punishable with a maximum fine of £5,000.
During the evening Essex Police carried out 20 stop checks on young people and seized a large quantity of beer and cigarettes. There was also one arrest for possession of Class A drugs and Thurrock Council Community Protection Officers issued three fixed penalty notices for littering.
The operation is the latest in a series aimed at reducing the levels of street drinking and underage drinking in Thurrock – more are planned.
Sgt Danny Torrance, of Grays Town Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Anti-social Behaviour on the streets of Thurrock is often highlighted by our residents as something that concerns them, especially when it involves young people. This operation focused on one particular area – underage drinking. By taking this kind of action the message is clear to both underage drinkers and shopkeepers that we will not tolerate this in our area.”
Alongside the enforcement action being taken by police and Thurrock Council, advice and help is also given to shopkeepers to ensure they understand the laws around the sale of age restricted goods.
